A one Day Seminar title “Empowering Her Voice : Meaningful Participation of African Women in National Security”will hold on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Abuja.
The Seminar organised by a Non-governmental Organisation “Friends of Reforms Initiative,FORI, in collaboration with United Nations Office for West African and the Sahel, UNOWAS, and Impart Her World Foundation,” seeks to promote and encourage women participation in Africa national security.
According to the organizers , Globally, the participation of women in national security has been an area of increasing focus. The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 of 2000, highlighted the importance of women’s involvement in peace and security processes. Despite these International efforts, women remain underrepresented in the security sectors worldwide.
This underrepresentation is not just a matter of equity : it Impart effectiveness of security operations and the sustainability of peace efforts. Women unique perspectives and contributions are crucial for addressing a broad range of security challenges, from conflict resolution to counterterrorism and disasters response.
They said that in Africa, the role of women in national security is particularly, critical. The Continent faces numerous security challenges, including armed conflicts ,terrorism, political instability.
African Women have historically played vital roles in peace building and conflicts resolution, often at the grassroots level. However, their contributions have frequently been over look in formal security structures, they said.
Several African countries have made significant strides to promote women participation in national security. For instance, Rwanda, has one of the highest rate of women representation in. Its security force globally.
Similarly, country like South Africa. and Liberia have implemented policies to enhance gender inclusivity in their security sectors. These examples demonstrate the potential for transformative change when women’s contributions are recognised and valued.