Dismantle barriers, biases limiting women in security and defence – Abdulsalami Abubakar 

•CDS Musa advocates for an inclusive military 

•As Patience Jonathan unveils 2nd edition of DHQ ‘Gender Magazine’

Senator Iroegbu, Gift Wada and Princess Onyedinefu 

Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, has called on all stakeholders to address the barriers and biases that have historically limited women’s participation in the security and defence sector, especially within the military service. 

Speaking at the 2024 Annual Defence Headquarters Gender Conference in Abuja, themed “Mainstreaming Women, Peace, and Security Agenda for Enhanced Operational Efficiency in the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Abubakar emphasised the crucial role of women in enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian military.

According to him, the theme of the conference is not just a reflection but a call to action, recognising that the effectiveness and efficiency of the Nigerian military depend on the full participation of all its members, regardless of gender. The event also saw the unveiling of the second edition of the DHQ Gender Magazine by former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.

Abubakar urged everyone to embrace the vision of gender inclusivity in the military, championing the women, peace, and security agenda. He stressed that the military should continue to be a symbol of inclusivity and excellence. “As a former Head of State, I have had the privilege of witnessing first-hand the sacrifices and bravery of our military personnel. I have seen the impact that dedicated and talented individuals can have on our nation’s security and peace,” he said.

“Today, we gather to acknowledge the vital role that women play in maintaining peace and security. We recognise that their contributions are not limited to traditional gender roles, but extend to leadership positions, strategic decision-making, and operational excellence,” Abubakar added. “Our goal is to create a military that reflects the diversity of our nation, where every officer has an equal opportunity to serve and contribute, regardless of gender. We must work together to address the barriers and biases that have historically limited women’s participation.”

Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), also underscored the importance of fully integrating women into the military, describing it as not only a matter of social justice and equality but also a strategic imperative for operational effectiveness. Represented by retired Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusegun Adekunle, Akume stated, “Women possess unique perspectives, skills, and experiences that could significantly contribute to a more secure and peaceful Nigeria.” He further highlighted that contemporary studies show that women offer diverse viewpoints that aid in decision-making processes, improve problem-solving, and bring new perspectives to understanding and addressing complex security challenges.

Akume continued, “It has been proven that gender-inclusive forces are more effective in achieving their missions because women’s participation often results in improved morale, discipline, and overall unit cohesion. Any military that reflects the diversity of the population it serves enhances public trust and support. Therefore, gender inclusivity can strengthen the military’s reputation as a progressive and inclusive institution.”

Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, represented by retired Maj.-Gen. Ahmed Jibrin, also highlighted the importance of gender equality to the effectiveness and success of military operations. Badaru noted that by integrating gender perspectives into its policies, operations, and strategies, the Nigerian military could enhance its capabilities and better serve the nation’s needs. He also praised the armed forces’ progress in implementing gender equality policies, increasing women’s representation, and fostering a more inclusive environment. “It is heart-warming to note that Nigeria has surpassed the UN’s target of 15% female representation in peacekeeping by 2028. Currently, we stand at 22%. This achievement demonstrates our commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment in the armed forces,” he said.

Military reaffirms commitment to gender equality

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, reiterated the importance of building a diverse military that reflects Nigeria’s strength and unity. At the conference, where he was represented by the Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, Musa stressed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria should be an inclusive institution where every member, regardless of gender, can contribute to society and peace efforts.

Musa noted that the second edition of the conference marks a significant turning point in the military’s efforts to integrate gender perspectives into all aspects of its operations. “This gathering of our new annual event stands as a testament to our collective commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment within our armed forces,” Musa stated. “We challenge ourselves to advance further in our pursuit of gender equality and to address the evolving dynamics within our armed forces.”

Musa highlighted the ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusivity as essential for ensuring that the armed forces remain a symbol of justice, respect, opportunity, strength, and security. He also acknowledged the global impact of women’s involvement in peace and security initiatives, noting, “Women bring unique perspectives and solutions that significantly contribute to peacekeeping and conflict resolution. It is imperative that we harness these potentials within our own armed forces.”

The conference serves as a critical platform for the military to develop strategies that enhance its operational effectiveness through gender mainstreaming. The Defence Chief expressed deep gratitude to Dame Patience Jonathan for her unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions to gender mainstreaming in the military. He credited the former First Lady’s advocacy, which led to the historic admission of women into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 2011—a milestone that opened doors for more women to serve in the military, including in combat roles. “These brave and determined women have shattered barriers and continue to serve as role models for future generations of women in the armed forces,” Musa said.

Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of Defence-Civil-Military Relations, underscored the fact that gender equality is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity that enhances the effectiveness of military personnel. He highlighted the significant strides made by the Defence Headquarters in promoting gender equality, including policies that support the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women within the military. Despite this progress, Abbas acknowledged that challenges remain, including gender-based violence, discrimination, and unconscious bias. “This conference provides us with a valuable platform to share best practices, discuss innovative solutions, and affirm our commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all personnel,” Abbas concluded.

DHQ gender mainstreaming conference

The 2024 DHQ Gender Mainstreaming Conference aims to explore strategies for promoting gender inclusivity in the military. The conference is a follow-up to the inaugural DHQ Gender Mainstreaming Conference, which was successfully held on November 9, 2023, at NDC. During the event, the second edition of the DHQ Gender Magazine, capturing a broad spectrum of views and achievements in gender mainstreaming within the Nigerian Armed Forces, was also launched.