NAWOJ Calls for Greater Role of Women in Nigeria’s Security Framework

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has called for the increased inclusion of women in Nigeria’s security architecture, stressing that women remain critical stakeholders in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and national development.

The association made the call during the National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, where policymakers, security experts, media practitioners, and other stakeholders gathered to deliberate on solutions to the country’s persistent security challenges.

In a goodwill message presented at the summit, NAWOJ commended the NUJ for convening the event at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts, cybercrime, and other security threats affecting national stability.

The association noted that while national security discussions often revolve around military operations, intelligence gathering, law enforcement, and technological interventions, the contributions of women to sustainable peace and security are frequently overlooked.

According to NAWOJ, women occupy strategic positions within families and communities as mothers, caregivers, educators, and community mobilisers, placing them at the forefront of efforts to shape values that promote peace, tolerance, and responsible citizenship.

The association argued that women play a vital role in addressing some of the underlying causes of insecurity, including violent extremism, cultism, drug abuse, and other forms of criminality, through their influence on young people and communities.

NAWOJ further observed that women are often among the first to identify signs of radicalisation, criminal behaviour, and social tensions within homes and communities, making them valuable contributors to community intelligence gathering and early warning systems.

It maintained that the active participation of women in peacebuilding initiatives and conflict prevention mechanisms could significantly enhance efforts to prevent local disputes from escalating into wider security crises.

Drawing from global experiences, the association noted that peace processes and security interventions that involve women tend to be more inclusive, effective, and sustainable because they incorporate diverse perspectives and address the root causes of conflict more comprehensively.

To strengthen Nigeria’s security response, NAWOJ called for increased representation of women in security-related decision-making at national, state, and community levels. It also advocated greater investment in women-led peacebuilding programmes and the deliberate inclusion of women in community policing and early warning initiatives.

The association further urged stakeholders to provide stronger support for women journalists covering security issues, noting that they play a crucial role in promoting peace, combating misinformation, and amplifying voices that advocate reconciliation and national unity.
NAWOJ also emphasised the need for policies that empower women socially and economically, warning that poverty, marginalisation, and exclusion often create conditions that contribute to insecurity.

Reaffirming its commitment to responsible journalism and peace advocacy, the association stressed that national security should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of security agencies but as a collective task requiring the active involvement of families, communities, civil society organisations, and government institutions.

“Women, through their unique influence and leadership within society, remain indispensable partners in building a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria,” the association stated.