Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the mandate secretary of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) women affairs secretariat, has emphasized the importance of including women in security policies. Speaking at a pre-conference discourse on ‘Gender and Human Security: Focus on Women in the FCT’ in Abuja, Benjamins-Laniyi highlighted the need for women’s voices to influence legislation and policies addressing security issues, ensuring inclusivity and consideration of gender-specific challenges.
According to the mandate secretary, it is vital to have women represented in policy-making processes to create comprehensive security strategies. She further stated that her secretariat is working to embed security initiatives at the grassroots level, with a focus on engaging young people. In addition, they aim to explore various intersections such as health, education, food, nutrition, and agriculture, recognizing their significance in building a secure and prosperous FCT.
Benjamins-Laniyi emphasized that women’s role in addressing insecurity extends beyond the domestic sphere, as they bring unique perspectives and solutions to comprehensive security strategies.
On the sidelines of the event, Abdul-rasheed Na’Allah, the vice-chancellor of the University of Abuja, expressed his commitment to ensuring the punishment of anyone who abuses female students in the institution. Recognizing the central role universities play in development,
Na’Allah stated that it is crucial to set an example and eradicate the perception that Nigerian academia is a place where girls are abused or suppressed. The university is mobilizing efforts to empower both female and male students and is in the process of formulating policies against verbal and physical abuse.
The inclusion of women in security policy-making is a significant step toward achieving gender equality and a more inclusive society. By amplifying women’s voices and perspectives, legislation and policies can be more effective in addressing security challenges, taking into account the specific needs and experiences of women.
The commitment of institutions like the University of Abuja to combating abuse and creating a safe environment for all students is commendable. It sets a positive example for other educational institutions and reinforces the importance of ensuring the security and well-being of women in all sectors of society.
As Nigeria continues to prioritize gender equality and security, the involvement of women in policy-making processes will contribute to more comprehensive and inclusive security strategies, fostering a safer and more prosperous nation.
