From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Women Affairs Secretariat has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), FCT to position women as key drivers in security interventions.
The signing was done between the Pioneer Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, and Commandant Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), FCT Command, Olusola Odumosu at the opening of a two-day conference on Gender and Human Security with the theme: “Focus on Women in the FCT”, in Abuja.
Odumosu, who was the keynote speaker, asserted that women in positions of authority could outperform their male counterparts if given equal opportunities.
He emphasised the urgent need to address the glaring imbalance in Nigeria’s political system, particularly within the 10th Assembly, where women’s representation remains disproportionately low.
Odumosu’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about the barriers women face in political participation, including societal norms and systemic biases that often favour male leadership.
Odumosu warned that continuing on the current trajectory without bridging this gap would undermine efforts to advocate for gender balance in governance, ultimately affecting the security and well-being of women across the nation.
He highlighted the importance of encouraging women to engage actively in politics, noting that their absence from decision-making roles means that their interests may not be adequately represented.
He urged women to remain resilient in the face of intimidation from male counterparts, reinforcing that their voices are crucial for effective advocacy.
He said: “The call for increased female representation is not just about fairness; it is about ensuring that governance is reflective of the entire population, which is essential for fostering a more secure and equitable society.
“An x-ray of the 10th Assembly will tell us the imbalance in our political system. I think if we continue in this pattern and we are not able to bridge the gap, I’m sure it will not auger well for the advocacy to have men and women balancing the equation and ensuring that life is more meaningful and secure for our women.
“So what this means is that there’s a need to encourage our women folk to continue to show interest in politics and governance because when they are not there, someone that should speak for you may not necessarily speak. So, no matter the intimidation from the men folk, always remember…”
Speaking on the conference theme, the Commandant emphasised the unique challenges faced by women in the federal capital, highlighting that human security transcends mere conflict absence, encompassing dignity, opportunities, and overall well-being for individuals.
Odumosu pointed out that women in the FCT grapple with various threats to their security, including gender-based violence, limited access to education and employment, and inadequate healthcare.
He added that rural women, in particular, face additional hurdles such as cultural beliefs, domestic abuse, and harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation.
To combat these issues, Odumosu stressed the need for a comprehensive approach that empowers women through education and economic opportunities, improves healthcare access, and strengthens legal protections against gender-based violence.
He underscored the NSCDC’s commitment to fostering a safer environment for women and girls, noting the establishment of a gender desk office and the launch of a Gender Policy in July 2021.
He added that the NSCDC is also collaborating with the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat to enhance safety measures for women and promote gender equality. Initiatives include mentorship programmes in schools and establishing accessible reporting systems for abuse.
Odumosu called for community support to advocate for policies that ensure gender equality and human security, urging collective action towards a future where women can thrive without fear or discrimination.
The Pioneer Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Benjamins-Laniyi, in her welcome remarks, emphasised the crucial role of women in addressing security challenges.
She noted that the event, held in collaboration with the Centre for Gender Security Studies and Youth Advancement at the University of Abuja and the Office of the Director, FCTA Security Services, aimed to position women as key drivers in security interventions.
Benjamins-Laniyi outlined several strategies to empower women, starting with education and training. She called for initiatives that equip women with essential skills in areas such as conflict resolution, community policing, and cybersecurity, enabling them to actively participate in security discourse.
She also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology for security purposes, encouraging women to utilise mobile applications for incident reporting and engage in digital literacy programmes to enhance community vigilance.
In terms of policy and advocacy, she stressed the need for women’s representation in decision-making processes, asserting that their voices must influence legislation to ensure policies are inclusive and sensitive to gender-specific challenges.
Furthermore, Benjamins-Laniyi proposed the establishment of a women-led security network to harness the intelligence-gathering capabilities of women, providing a safe platform for their contributions.
To shift societal perceptions about women’s roles in security, she advocated for media campaigns that celebrate women’s achievements in various sectors, as well as community engagement to promote gender equality.
Benjamins-Laniyi concluded by reiterating the shared commitment to advancing gender equality and enhancing human security, urging participants to engage actively in discussions and share their experiences.
She stressed that the security and progress of society depend on the equal participation of women, calling for collaborative efforts to create a safer, more inclusive FCT for all.
UN Women representative Peter Mancha, the programme specialist for Women, Peace and Security, hailed the involvement of women in the discussion of insecurity in the FCT.
Representatives of Acting Vice Chancellor, Aisha Salisu noted that the women’s population in Nigeria is at 49 million but regretted that they are locked out of leadership
She stressed that the inclusion of women at different levels brings benefits to society at large, noting that women suffer the highest of insecurity and banditry attacks.
Other speakers were Esu Kwali, HRH Luka Nizassan 111 and the President of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), among others.