New dimension introduced for women in Nation building – UNSCR

The Chairman National Advisory Committee of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) in Nigeria, Mrs. Ifeoma Anagbogu has said that a new dimension has been introduced in the role women can play in peace building in the country, Africa and the world.

Mrs. Anagbogu who is also the permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development also said that the UNSCR resolution 1325 focusing on women, peace and security presents a comprehensive framework within which women’s protection and their role in peace processes can be addressed.

Speaking during the quarterly meeting of the Advisory committee meeting on the Implementation of the 2nd National Action Plan on UNCSR 1325 at the STONEHEDGE Hotel Abuja on Monday, Mrs. Anagbogu said:

“As you are aware, the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 focusing on Women, peace and security presents a comprehensive framework within which women’s protection and their role in peace processes can be addressed.

It is noteworthy to mention that a new dimension has been introduced in the role women can play in peace building through the institution of UNSCR and other UN security council’s resolutions that focus on women and peace”.

She said the resolution specifically establishes a link between women and conflict situations which makes it possible for policy makers to globally to factor in the role of women into peace building and conflict management.

“The first National Action Plan was adopted in August 2013 and it’s based on the five pillars of prevention, participation, protection and prosecution; interestingly, the new action plan was put together before the emergence of the present scenario of violent extremism in Nigeria, necessitating a review of the 1st NAP”, she said.

The Chairman noted that as part of the Ministry’s effort to ensure widespread distribution and dissemination of the content of the 2nd revised National Action Plan to Ministries, Departments, Agencies and other critical stakeholders;

“An inter sectored meeting was convened to facilitate the integration, incorporation and implementation of the Revised 2nd NAP in their various MDAs, raise awareness and visibility to improve accountability among actors responsible for the implementation of the document”, she stressed.

In her welcome remarks, the Director Women and Gender in the Ministry, Mrs. Anetu-Anne O. Aliu reminded participants that the committee is expected to provide and assist the Ministry to fulfill its statutory mandate of coordinating the implementation of the 2nd National Action Plan (NAP) on UNSCR 1325.

“I am optimistic that this meeting will go a long way in the actualization of the committee’s mandate of ensuring uniformity and appreciable national courage in the implementation of the 2nd NAP”, she said.

The meeting which has members from the 36 States of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) also has representatives of the United Nations (UN) Women in participation.