Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, has indicated that Nigerias struggle with existential threats to peaceful coexistence, unity, human security and sustainable growth are dye to heightened insecurity.
He gave the indication In his goodwill message in Abuja at the gender and human security conference organized by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Women Affairs Secretariat, in collaboration with Centre for Gender Security Studies and Youth Advancement, University of Abuja and Office of the Director, Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA) Security Services.
He indicated that the threats stem from heightened level of insecurity, unemployment, poverty, illiteracy. climate change, marginalization and gender inequality.
Ochogwu noted that women and girls have increasingly bear the brunt of oppression, harrassment, intimidation and gender-based violence.
Appreciating the Pioneer Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Dr. Ochogwu said, “This occasion undoubtedly has demonstrated your unwavering dedication and relentless effort in advancing gender equality and inclusivity, promoting women empowerment and fundamental rights, improving national security and stability as well as fostering socio-economic progress in Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria as a whole.”
He explained that IPCR, an apex peace Think-Tank and Research Agency of the Federal Government, has continued to deploy diverse peacebuilding measures to ensure gender parity and human security in the country.
Continuing, he said, “Permit me to state at this point that Nigeria has continued to grapple with existential threats to peaceful coexistence, unity, human security and sustainable growth.
“Particularly, gender inequality an unequal treatment phenomenon between males and females, has been a purveyor of discrimination, exploitation, social exclusion, violence and dis-empowerment, primarily affecting women.
“For instance, in some ethnic groups and family lineages, women have been denied rights to land ownership and family inheritance. However, the subsistence cultural ethos in these scenarios have provided opportunities and privileges to their male counterparts.
He said the situation is unacceptable, expressing the optimism that gathering will evolve formidable strategies to bring about real change to the narrative.
“Additionally, women have often times been confronted with unequal access to power and resources, gender-based division of labour, and inequitable access to education, political participation and decision-making processes in our dear nation.
“Notably, 96 percent of the seats in our legislature, particularly the House of Representatives are occupied by males, creating a vacuum and hindrance to women’s contribution to good governance, sustainable peace, nation-building, and democratic consolidation.
“More worrisome, women and girls have increasingly bear the brunt of oppression, harrassment, intimidation and gender-based violence, negatively impacting on their well-being, mental health, security and socio-economic empowerment.
“These vulnerable groups have contended with poverty and unemployment, even as their roles in conflict management and peacebuilding have not been fully explored in our nation.”
Speaking on what IPCR has done so far, Dr. Ochogwu said, “the Institute alongside Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and UN-Women facilitated the design of National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security in Nigeria.
“This veritable document, launched in 2021, has become a vital policy instrument for our nation’s peace stakeholders. More so, IPCR’s participation in this conference is a testament of our resolve to achieve this goal.”
He, however, disclosed that the disturbing state of gender inequality has received attention from national, regional and International organizations.
Benjamins-Laniyi, on her part said “we gather not only to deliberate but to catalyze action on one of the most pressing issues of our time: the security of women in the FCT.”
She added that “women in the FCT have always been on the frontline of nurturing and safeguarding our society. Today, we must recognize that their role in addressing insecurity goes far beyond the domestic sphere.
“Women bring unique perspectives and solutions that are essential to comprehensive security strategies. As primary caregivers, educators, and community leaders, women possess invaluable insights into the root causes of insecurity and the means to address them effectively.
“To tackle the challenges we face, women must not only be included but positioned at the forefront of our security interventions.”