The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women, (UNSCR), also referred to as (UN Women), on Thursday commenced a two-day workshop to train journalist on promoting women’s engagement in peace and security in Northern Nigeria.
Report has it that the programme is founded by the EU and implemented by UN Women, in collaboration with UNICEF which promotes and strengthen women’s leadership and advance gender equality
The United Nation Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, was adopted by UN Security Council on 31 October 2000.
Mr Peter Mancha, The UN Women Program Manager, who stated this during a workshop in Gombe, said the media has become meaningful stakeholders in promoting peace, gender equality and women security.
He said the the programme, “Promoting Women’s Engagement in Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria is a three year initiative from 2014 to 2017.
According to him, the programme is designed to strengthen the capacity of media personnel on values of promoting gender equality and improved protection for women and children in conflict setting.
It is also aimed at enhancing effective coordination, networking and sharing resources and best practices on gender and the role of women in conflict resolution, peace building and security issues in Nigeria, he added.
“Gender inequality has persisted due to the interplay of patriarchal, cultural and socio-economic factors and lack adequate legal framework to ensure the promotion and protection of women’s right.
“Women and girls suffer from discrimination both in public and private life. Discriminatory customary, traditional and religious practices continue to exist,” Mancha said.
In some regions in Northern, he said customary laws restricts women’s right to inheritance and to land ownership.
“With regards to the socio-economic sphere, women and girls face even greater difficulties in accessing their right to education, employment and economics and politics activities.
“We are therefore committed to working with the media and other stakeholders at all levels to serve as ambassadors for the promotion of Gender Equality, Women Empowerment, and Sustainable Peace and Development,”said Mancha
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