By Ene Oshaba
The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has stressed the need for building the capacity of women in the ECOWAS sub-region in the areas of security as well as provide them with necessary leadership and mentorship skills.
Its Deputy Director, Faculty of Academic Affairs and Research Dr. Emma Birikorang, disclosed this Monday in Abuja, during a workshop on leadership and mentorship organized by the Women, Peace and Security Institute (WPSI) of KAIPTC in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark under the project: “Promoting Peace and Security in Africa: Danish Support to KAIPTC 2021-2022”.
Dr. Birikorang explained that a lot of progress had been recorded in developing action plans for women, peace and security, stating however that there were challenges.
“There has been a lot of progress in the Women , Peace and Security agenda especially as members states in West African region develop their action plans though with lots of challenges, the work we are doing now seeks to enhance the agenda in Africa.
“We are hoping that within the security institutions this training supports the work they do and help them understand the physical roles that women play in Peace and Security so they can give them the opportunity in the domains they work in,” she said.
Earlier, the Head, Women, Peace and Security Institute (WPSI), of the Center, Joana Osei-Tutu emphasized the need for a holistic conversation on peace and security.
“We realize that it’s important that there should be wholistic contributions of both men and women on security issues and decision tables. Biggest victims and survivors of conflicts are women and so when it comes to resolving the issue they should also be at the table
“Continually neglecting one half of the dialogue doesn’t solve the problem having both genders at the table is important for a wholistic conversation, ” she stated.
A male participant, Dr. Fiifi Edu-Afful, said men needed to create an enabling environment and identify all barriers as well as help address them and encourage women involvement.