Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The National Network Coordinator of West Africa Network for Peacebuilding WANEP- Nigeria, Dr. Bridget Osakwe, has appealed to governors across the 36 of the federation to domesticate the National Action Plan of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325).
UNSCR 1325 focuses on women’s participation in peace and security processes.
She made the call in Benin at the two days M & E Workshop on the Implementation of Women, Peace and Security (WPS )Agenda.
The workshop which was under the auspices of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP- Nigeria) in partnership with Global Network of Women Peace Builders (GNWP), brought together stakeholders to brainstorm on the best accountability framework for effective implementation of the WPS of UNSCR 1325 in Nigeria and the South/South region in particular.
A particular emphasis was drawn on the launch of Edo State Action Plan (Edo SAP) of the UNSCR 1325.
Speaking further, Dr. Osakwe explained that Nigeria has developed a National Action Plan (NAP) on UNSCR 1325 and is encouraging states to domesticate and localize the framework.
Osakwe disclosed that Edo State’s Action Plan has been finalized and is ready for launch, pending the governor’s signature.
According to her, 16 states across the federation have successfully localized the plan, with ongoing efforts to ensure more states follow suit.
She appealed for the support of the Office of the First Lady to fast-track the official launch and implementation of the Edo State Action Plan.
She further drew attention to the unique experiences of women during elections, particularly issues of violence and marginalization, stressing the need for deliberate interventions to address these challenges.
She commended Edo State for its sustained efforts over the past four to five years in advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.
She noted that the Edo State Action Plan aligns with federal policies and international standards and will strengthen reporting mechanisms on women’s participation in governance, security frameworks, shelter provision, economic contributions to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and other key indicators.
She used the opportunity to solicit for continued support of the First Lady’s Office to ensure the prompt launch, effective implementation, and proper reporting of the Action Plan to further advance women’s inclusion in peacebuilding and development processes in Edo State.
Also speaking, a WPS Consultant- Amy Oyekunle said the M & E workshop was meant to establish a robust M & E framework to track progress, identify challenges, and guide adaptive management.
“One thing with M & E is that you have to be intentional to people you are reporting to. Part of M & E is to go to remotest places and get feedbacks from the community that’s being served”, the WPS Consultant said.
The GNWP Program Officer for Africa- Ruth Abunaw Besong introduced participants to WPSHA.
She said WPSHA is enhanced framework to monitor Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Humanitarian Action (HA) implementation by CSOs.
According to her, key features of WPSHA include: broader scope beyond traditional NAP monitoring; tracking WPS and humanitarian nexus Implementation; updating post-2020 indicators; civil society-led mechanism; and action-oriented for advocacy.
The WPS Front-Desk Officer with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs- Mrs. Nlechi Tonia took participants through Reporting Template for ECOWAS Member States for the Simplified Continental Results Framework (CRF).