The Director General of Institute for Peace and Conflicts Resolution, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu has urged Africans to intensify training and sensitisation of all persons including institutions on roles women could play to check insecurity in the region.
Dr Ochogwu made the called on Wednesday in Abuja in a keynote address at a Seminar titled: “Meaningful Participation of African Women in National Security,” organised by Friends of Reforms Initiative, FORI ,in collaboration with United Nations Office for West African and the Sahel and Impart Her World Foundation.
Ochogwu made the call in the light of the fact of the seeming inability of African States to effectively manage or curb conflicts. “By July 2024 , for instance, almost half of the continent was experiencing different degrees of violent conflicts,” he said.
He said that with the spread of insecurity, nations need an integrated and coordinate approach to monitor gender security through the insertion of rapid response mechanism at all levels.
Besides, he said that all Nigerians must be encouraged to educate females on important role to play in our country national security.
While declaring the seminar opened Ms. Ujay Nwobi the Convener Friends of Reforms Initiative said it is important the participants take the discussion to a level that is needed to make a change.
The national security seminar represents an opportunity to show commitment towards achieving ultimate inclusivity in the national security architecture with various significant roles that African Women played.
She said, although in the past their efforts have been historically undervalued despite their significant contributions to peace keeping, conflicts resolution and security sector reforms.
“However, in recent times their efforts come as major contribution at various levels in the security sector. But , we want to see more” participation of women.
In Nigeria the National Security land scape continue to evolve and adapt to the changing need of the nation and immense need for the participation of women at strategic level of the security sector.
Such that, we have women in important offices including the recent appointment of women as Nigeria Police Force Secretary and minister of State for Police Affairs.
She said that the challenges confronting Nigeria and African continent are multi dimensional and complex. The threats transcend national boarders and there are terrorism, insurgency,banditry, separatist agitations across the nation and across Africa.
Therefore, it is imperative that women equip themselves with capacity in terms of knowledge, expertise that cut across various fields of endeavour.
Ms Nwobi said that the seminar offers opportunity to share gender perspectives on national security , overcoming barriers, build network and alliances, noting that collaboration is vital as national security is a collective efforts that requires comprehensive and integrated approach.
Also speaking at the Seminar, Prof. Olu Ogunsakin, the Director General National Institute for Policy Studies, Abuja , observed that the role of women can not be neglected or do without in the prevailing circumstances of insecurity in Africa.
“Women contributions are essential for sustainable peace and security in the region,” he said.