To strengthen the Policy Framework and ensure that the Laws and Gender Policies of the Nigerian Security Sector are Gender responsive.

National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, in partnership with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), organized a One-Day Seminar on the role of the Legislature in Advancing Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) in Nigeria.

The seminar with the theme “The Role of the Legislator in Advancing Women, Peace and Security” is to ensure the passage of bills that will include women inclusion in politics, security, and peace-building processes.

In his remarks, Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman, DG NILDS, emphasized that the Institute is committed and prepared to play its part in ensuring that security issues, along with their critical components and impacts on women and children, receive the necessary attention.

He lamented that despite being integral to the very essence of society via the family, playing a central role in the informal economy, and participating in elections (particularly through mobilizing support for candidates), very few women are involved in formal decision-making and resource allocation processes.

Speaking, earlier Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Beatrice Eyong recalled that in 2020, UN Women, with support from Norway, developed a comprehensive Guide on the Nigerian Legislature’s Role in advancing the women, peace and security agenda.Represented by the Deputy Programmes Manager, Peter Mancha noted that with just about 4% of women elected to the National Assembly, and only seven women serving in the forty-five member-cabinet, Nigeria is not doing well in the continental ranking.

“I call on the legislators of 10th National Assembly to utilize this guide to support full implementation of Nigeria’s 3rd National action plan, including approval of annual budget for coordination, monitoring and reporting of the policy document, at all levels” she stated.

Attendees at the Seminar Includes; Senator Diket Plang; Hon. Khadijat Buka Abba Ibrahim; Hon. Fatima Talber; Hon Miriam Onuoha; H.E. Svein Baera, Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria; H.E. Annett Gunther, German Ambassador to Nigeria; along with other esteemed participants.