By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor has received commendation for launching the Armed Forces of Nigeria Gender Policy.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Tallen, gave the commendation when she paid a courtesy call to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to Dame Pauline, “we want to celebrate and thank you for launching the gender policy for the Armed Forces of Nigeria which has encouraged other security agencies and paramilitary to emulate this modest achievement on gender equality.”
The Minister also appreciated the leadership of the Armed Forces for supporting the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution I325 which is the national action plan on women, peace and security.
She disclosed that her ministry in collaboration with the Armed Forces and security agencies is championing the course of women in peace and security in order to establish better networking within the defence and security sectors, as well as the civil society.
The Minister further lauded the efforts of the Defence Headquarters Gender Advisor for bringing all the gender desk officers in the military and security sectors under one umbrella body. She extolled them for championing the issue of gender base violence in the military barracks in order to create awareness among the youths and women.
In his remarks, the CDS stated that the gender based initiatives of the Armed Forces remains a reference and principle focal point for the commissioning and enlistment of women into the Services.
He said that the establishment of the Directorate of Gender is to further project gender based policies. He expressed commitment of the DHQ towards partnering with the Ministry of Women Affairs in co-hosting the 2021 Security Sector Gender Reference Group Conference.
He acknowledged the role of women in nation building, stated that they should be seen at the forefront and more visible while given the central stage to showcase themselves.
“Women remain the mothers of not just the nation but of humanity,” the CDS added.
The Minister was accompanied by the UN Country Representative to Nigeria, Ms Comfort Lamptey and the Country Director ActionAid Nigeria, Mrs Ene Obi.
Highlight of the occasion, was the conferment of HEforShe award on the Chief of Defence Staff.
