The Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) has urged the federal and state governments to engage more women in peace processes, not just at the middle or end of the discussions but from the beginning of the peace processes.
They made the call during a webinar with the theme “Insecurity and COVID 19: Expectations and Contributions of Women to Promote Sustainable Peace in Nigeria”.
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The event was attended by over 60 participants mainly composed of Muslims and Christians and was moderated by the IDFP Co-Publicity Secretary; Elder Dr. Mrs. Uzoaku J. Williams and the Project officer; Hajiya Lantana Abdullahi.
Also, the Co-Chairmen of the organization; Alhaji Kunle Sanni Ishaq and Bishop Sunday Onuoha; and the guest speakers; Hajiya Halima Jibril and Deaconess Bola Iheasiulor as well as the discussants; Hajiya Monsurat Alli-Oluwafuyi and Evangelist Charity Nwannediuto Moses made contributions on the topic of discuss.
The communique of the virtual meeting said that for Nigeria to achieve sustainable peace in our nation and the world at large, gender equality and women’s right should be promoted and prioritize.
“Women and girls should be well empowered through education to reduce illiteracy; the government should organize skill training for women and girls to enhance their business management skills, self-confidence and participation in leadership; government should grant micro-loans to women to join forces together to improve their quality of life.
“Government should develop policies that promotes gender equality and the empowerment of women as well as financial support; government needs to actualize the UN 1335 resolution in Nigeria to ensure women are involved in peace building; and that more women should be engaged in peace processes, not just at the middle or end of the discussions but from the very beginning of peace processes,” the communique said.
The forum also resolved that there should be engagement of women from the grassroots and collaboration of women led organization, as this will go a long way; instead of making up assumptions of what women want in conflict situations without their involvements.
They urged that women’s organization should build and encourage networks at the grassroots as their works and impacts can be the most visible in their various communities.
They also urged politicians to work for good of the governance and not for a particular sector or political party.
“Female religious leaders should get involved in politics. More women should be given the opportunity to occupy good positions in government; there should be restructuring in the government to avoid discrimination of tribe, ethnic groups and religion.
“Women should ensure equitable use of resources to avoid discrimination. They should safeguard their girl child against being sexually abused,” the forum said.
