The United Nations (UN) Women has urged increased participation of women in Nigeria’s security management.
During a press conference in Abuja, Beatrice Eyong, UN Women representative in Nigeria, emphasized the importance of gender-responsive amendments to Nigeria’s security laws.
Represented by Peter Macha, UN Women programme manager, Eyong highlighted ongoing efforts to review laws such as the Armed Forces Act, Nigeria Police Act, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Act from a gender perspective.
She emphasized the necessity of presenting these bills to the 10th National Assembly for review, noting encouraging responses from some lawmakers.
“I, therefore, call on all the legislators and other stakeholders to support the amendment of these security laws to further enhance a gender-sensitive environment, for maximum efficiency and effectiveness in the security sector institutions and the society at large,” NAN quoted Eyong as saying.
“These progressive actions undoubtedly align with provisions of Nigeria’s national action plan on women, peace and security, national gender policy and several other policy and legal frameworks.”
Abubakar Sulaiman, director-general of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), said there is a need to close the gender gap in the security sector.
Suleiman said women’s potential remains unexplored in addressing security challenges, adding that it is critical to sensitise lawmakers on the need to change the narrative.
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