Peace
By Sarafina Christopher
Abuja, Sept. 23, 2024(NAN)The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution Institute (IPCR) and various advocacy groups have stressed on the need to include vulnerable populations, particularly women and youth, in peace building initiatives across Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders made the call in Abuja on Monday during a two-day event to commemorate the 2024 International Day of Peace in Nigeria.
Dr Joseph Ochogwu, Director by General of IPCR highlighted that women’s perspectives and youth engagement are essential for creating effective and lasting peace.
He added that peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it requires the active involvement of all sectors of society.
“Women and youth are often the most affected by conflict, yet they are frequently excluded from the conversations that shape our future. It is time to change that narrative.
“Therefore, the partnering agencies have independently and collaboratively been engaging in peace sensitization, peace education, humanitarian intervention and other programmes that encourage the inclusion of women, youths and other vulnerable groups in peacebuilding,”he said.
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| China Cultural Center in Nigeria exhibition stand. |
Ochogwu also noted that a recent report by the United Nations indicates that inclusive peace processes are 35% more likely to last at least 15 years when women are involved.
“Despite this evidence, women still represent only 13% of negotiators in peace processes globally.
“This stark reality has prompted advocates in Nigeria to push for policy changes that prioritize inclusive practices,”he said.
Mr Rafiu Lawal, Executive Director of the Building Block for Peace Foundation reiterated its commitment to mobilising and empowering youth and women as agents of peace across communities through research, policy advocacy, capacity strengthening, empowerment programmes etc.
He also said that “we will launch the Champions of Peace Youth and Women Initiative- a national network of youth who will be working for peace across the country and also awarding micro grants to youth peace activists.
“We believe strongly that Nigeria’s burgeoning youth population presents a demographic dividend that can be leveraged for sustainable peace and economic prosperity.
“We must ensure that our young men and young women are meaningfully engaged and their representation increases in the political, social and economic architecture of the society,”he said.
Lawal also called on the Nigerian government to implement laws and frameworks that promote the involvement of women and youth in peace initiatives.
NAN reports that the partners include the United Nations Agencies, National Gallery of Art, SPRING, International Alert, Building Block for Peace Foundation, African Youth Growth Foundation, UFUK Foundation Dialogue among others.
NAN also reports that IPCR and its partners have mapped out a series of activities to mark the event including: Art Exhibition showcasing peace-themed artworks to promote peace through creative expression, sports events that unites diverse people among others.(NAN)