Minister: If we involve more women in peacebuilding, security will improve

May 31, 2021 10:54 pm

Pauline Tallen, minister of women affairs, has called for the involvement of more women in the fight against insecurity in the country.

While speaking at a meeting on ‘Women, Dialogue and Mediation’ in Abuja on Monday, she urged governments at all levels to include women in peace efforts.

Tallen, who condemned the spate of insecurity in the country, said women can play key roles in resolving crisis and conflicts.

“Unless more women are brought to the table in mediation and peacekeeping, we will keep going round and round. You can’t keep repeating the same thing without getting a result, there is a need to try other factors,” she said.

“Try the women in mediation and peacekeeping, I am sure the difference will be clear. It has proven right in most of the African countries and countries in the world; Nigeria cannot be an exception.

“We have women leaders in every committee that will help in the peace process. Women are tired; they are tired of these mindless killings, having women and children being the ones that suffer the backdrop of any crisis situation.

“It is unacceptable and I believe that if you involve more women both at the local, state and national level, particularly community level, we will get it right.”

On his part, Edward Kallon, United Nations resident and humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, said peace and security in the country remain the UN’s greatest concern.

Also Comfort Lamptey, the UN women country representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS said the country needs peace before 2023 election, hence, the need for women’s involvement.

“As we begin the journey towards the 2023 elections, more emphasis on the national peace building architecture and tools for conflict prevention and resolution is critical,” she said.

“We are seeing a deepening of efforts to utilise dialogue and mediation to address various crises. Nonetheless, the gaps, in terms of inclusion and meaningful participation of women in formal peace processes, continue to be glaring.”