Imo develops framework to strengthen women’s participation in peacebuilding, security
Source: Guardian Nigeria
The Imo State Government has announced the completion of the ‘Women, Peace and Security (WPS) State Action Plan’, designed to strengthen women’s participation in peacebuilding, governance, conflict prevention and security in the state.
Speaking at the pre-launch press conference on the framework in Owerri, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu, said the Action Plan, “marks a significant milestone in the state’s commitment to building a peaceful, inclusive and resilient society.”
According to Ugwu, “the Action Plan is the first of its kind in Imo State and among the pioneering frameworks in the South-East, designed to provide a comprehensive roadmap for increasing women’s participation in peacebuilding, governance and decision-making, strengthening protection against gender-based violence, preventing conflict and improving access to justice.”
She explained that the document was developed through extensive consultations involving ministries, departments and agencies, security institutions, the judiciary, civil society organizations, traditional and religious leaders, academia, women and youth groups, with technical support from the Alliance for Africa (AFA).
“The Action Plan is not merely a policy document; it is a call to action. It is a collective pledge to ensure that women and girls are recognised not only as beneficiaries of peace but also as leaders, mediators, decision-makers and active partners in shaping the future of Imo State,” the commissioner said.
She added that the framework aligns with the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 and other global commitments while addressing the peculiar security challenges and development priorities of the state.
The Imo State Government has announced the completion of the ‘Women, Peace and Security (WPS) State Action Plan’, designed to strengthen women’s participation in peacebuilding, governance, conflict prevention and security in the state.
Speaking at the pre-launch press conference on the framework in Owerri, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu, said the Action Plan, “marks a significant milestone in the state’s commitment to building a peaceful, inclusive and resilient society.”
According to Ugwu, “the Action Plan is the first of its kind in Imo State and among the pioneering frameworks in the South-East, designed to provide a comprehensive roadmap for increasing women’s participation in peacebuilding, governance and decision-making, strengthening protection against gender-based violence, preventing conflict and improving access to justice.”
She explained that the document was developed through extensive consultations involving ministries, departments and agencies, security institutions, the judiciary, civil society organizations, traditional and religious leaders, academia, women and youth groups, with technical support from the Alliance for Africa (AFA).
“The Action Plan is not merely a policy document; it is a call to action. It is a collective pledge to ensure that women and girls are recognised not only as beneficiaries of peace but also as leaders, mediators, decision-makers and active partners in shaping the future of Imo State,” the commissioner said.
She added that the framework aligns with the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 and other global commitments while addressing the peculiar security challenges and development priorities of the state.