By Lola Seriki-Idahosa, Kaduna
Tracereporters –The CLEEN Foundation and other stakeholders have expressed their willingness to advance the cause of Nigerian women, gender-responsive policies, creating an inclusive society where everyone has equal opportunities and right.
They made the commitment at a two day training workshop, with a theme, “Policy Dialogue On State Gender Responsive Frameworks and Practices’ organized by CLEEN FOUNDATION with support from UNWomen and the Norwegian Government, held at butterfly hotel, marafa Kaduna.
In his welcome address, CLEEN foundation Executive Director Gad Peter, who was represented by Mrs Justina Johnson, Finance manager reaffirmed the foundation commitment towards amplifying the challenges of women with a view to bringing about the needed changes in the society.
Gad Peter said Gender-responsive policies are crucial for creating an inclusive society where everyone has equal opportunities and rights.
According to him, “By implementing frameworks that consider the specific needs and experiences of women and girls, we can work towards a more equitable and just society for all.
“The dialogue brought about engagement in insightful discussions, share valuable experiences, and chart a course towards more inclusive and equitable policy frameworks. This dialogue served as a platform for collaboration, learning, and collective action as we work towards building a more gender-responsive society.
“As we embark on this journey together, it is imperative to recognize the critical importance of gender equality in fostering sustainable development, social cohesion, and economic prosperity. By ensuring that our policies, programs, and practices are sensitive to the diverse needs and realities of women and girls, we can unlock their full potential as agents of positive change.
“Throughout the dialogue, we explored innovative approaches, best practices, and lessons learned from across different states and regions. We delved into topics ranging from legal reforms and institutional mechanisms to grassroots initiatives and community engagement strategies.
“The dialogue was an inspiration to take concrete steps towards building more gender-responsive frameworks and practices in our respective areas of work”. He assured.
In his presentation, “Understanding the National Security Strategy: Providing Space for non State Actors’ Engagement” “Understanding Gender Role in the Security Sector” “Syndicate Session: Mainstreaming in State Policies and legal frameworks” by Salaudeen Hashim, Director Program and renowned Criminal Justice, Peace and Security Expert, urged both state and federal government to invest more on security and food for the safety of the country.
According to Salaudeen, Other National Security threats include, Transnational organized crime, Crude oil theft/illegal bunkering, Border insecurity, Climate change, Communal and ethno religious conflicts, Pastoralists/Farmers conflict, Politics and Federalism in Nigeria, Governance and Poverty.
Profiling solution, he said government must as a matter of urgency create job and job security for it’s citizens, social security and protection of the poor, maintenance of international peace, Observations of democratic norms, global cooperation in furtherance of the progress of mankind, constructive engagement with national and international non state actors and incorporating elements of human security in addressing national security.
Also in his presentation, “Cybercrime: State capacity and public safety” Salaudeen Hashim said Cybercrime is on the rise in Nigeria with both increasing number of victims and perpetrators.
He said in 2020 Nigeria was ranked 16th in the world for countries most affected by Cybercrime, adding that in third quarter of 2022, Nigeria experienced a 1616% increase in data breaches from 35,472 in second quarter to 608,765 in third quarter.
Salaudeen said so far Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured a total of 5,629 convinsion.
The Director of Program said the majority of Cybercriminals are young people found in the university, Yahoo boys or G Boys are youths involved in using electronic e-mail, attributes it poverty, greed/Avarice, unemployment, poor upbringing, weak enforcement.
He advised government to recruit expertise in Nigeria police force cybercrime unit.
The stakeholders includes: Community leaders from the three senatorial district, interfaith mediation, CAN, traditional rulers, police, kadgis, lawyers.
The stakeholders also did a road work to office of Samuel Aruwan, the Overseeing commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, and Hajiya Rabi Salisu, Commissioner Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, Kaduna. The Commissioner said that the government is in support of what the NGOs are doing,
According to the Commissioner, “we are in support of what you are doing, the 287 kidnapped children will be brought back home, Governor Uba Sani is working round the clock, all the children will be brought back”. she promised.
