Relevant committees within the National Assembly are gearing up for a thorough review of the Acts governing the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies in the country.
The aim is to ensure the laws become more gender-responsive, focusing on protecting women and children during insecurity.
This initiative was disclosed by the Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof Abubakar Sulaiman, during an interactive session with journalists.
He highlighted that the project, titled “Enhancing Gender Responsive Security Operations and Community Dialogue Project II,” is being undertaken in collaboration with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women).
Prof Sulaiman emphasized that the project’s overall objective is to sensitize the National Assembly and enlighten security sector institutions on the importance of making their laws and Acts gender-responsive.
He said: ”While these institutions have been instrumental in addressing security challenges, there are visible gender gaps in their policies and operational procedures.
”The project specifically aims to increase women’s effective participation in peace and security processes, improve public perception of the role of women in peace and security, and foster community dialogue between women affected by conflict and security sector actors.
”To achieve these objectives, NILDS has been engaging in advocacy visits to relevant security committees of the National Assembly, as well as the leadership of various security agencies.
”Consultative meetings, strategy sessions, and technical support are being provided to guide the gender-responsive legislative and policy reform process.
”Additionally, establishing the Legislative Centre for Security Analysis will enable critical analysis and advice to the legislature on security-related policies and laws.
”Overall, the initiative seeks to ensure that Nigeria’s security sector becomes more inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of its community, focusing on gender equality and social cohesion.”