As Nigeria seeks lasting solutions to its security challenges, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, is calling for greater recognition and inclusion of women in peacebuilding, security leadership, and national development.
The call was made at the maiden Women in Security Summit and Awards, WINSEC 2026, in Abuja, where stakeholders said women must have a stronger voice in shaping decisions that affect the security and future of the country.
From the military and police to journalism, humanitarian work, community leadership, and peace advocacy, women continue to play critical roles in keeping communities safe and promoting social stability.
But organisers of the maiden Women in Security Summit say many of these contributions remain underrecognised, while women’s perspectives are still underrepresented in critical security and policy conversations.
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The National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajia Aishatu Ibrahim, says sustainable peace cannot be achieved when a significant part of the population is left out of the decision-making process.
She stressed the need to move beyond recognising women as victims of insecurity to acknowledging them as active participants in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, security management, and national development.
The summit also recognised individuals whose contributions to peacebuilding, security, humanitarian service, leadership, and media advocacy have made a difference in society.
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(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
