The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, delivered a powerful message at the 4th Annual Forum 2023 for the Women, Peace, and Security Sector Reference Group in Abuja; calling on Nigerian security agencies to refrain from interfering with women’s activities and emphasized that women should not be burdened with tax payments.
As a barrister and advocate for women’s rights, Minister Uju highlighted the pivotal role of women in fostering peace and stressed the need for their empowerment.
She declared, “Women must be empowered. Without women, there won’t be peace. When you empower a woman, you have empowered 20 women.”
Furthermore, she issued a stern warning, stating, “No woman should be allowed to pay any tax fee.”
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, addressed the gathering, acknowledging the Nigerian police’s commitment to gender parity. He outlined ongoing efforts to review policies aligning with the national gender policy of Nigeria and stressed the importance of a gender-responsive security sector.
Egbetokun emphasized the role of the Women, Peace, and Security Sector Reference Group in advocating for a security sector that protects women, children, and the vulnerable.
He highlighted the Nigerian Police Force’s pioneering gender policy development in 2010 and ongoing initiatives to combat gender-based violence.
The Inspector-General called on all security agencies, government entities, NGOs, and the media to collaborate in advancing the protection of women.
This forum serves as a platform for stakeholders to review progress in implementing the women, peace, and security agenda in Nigeria.
The commitment expressed by Minister Uju and Inspector-General Egbetokun reflects a broader effort to create an inclusive and secure environment for women, acknowledging their crucial role in building lasting peace and stability in the nation.