Nigeria’s First lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has recommended that more women join the military and be given a chance to hold top ranking positions.
In a statement by her special adviser on media and publicity, Busola Kukoyi, the first lady explained that gender equality was needed in addressing complex security challenges.
Kukoyi said in the statement that the first lady made the call while speaking at the gender mainstreaming conference of the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
Represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, the first lady called for the need to integrate gender perspective into security policies, urging women to join and advance in rank within the armed forces.
“Senator Tinubu urged the integration of gender perspectives into security policies, encouraging more women to join and advance in rank within the armed forces. She stressed the need for education and training programs to include gender sensitivity and awareness among security personnel,” a statement by Kukoyi read.
The First Lady also highlighted the importance of eliminating gender-based violence within security forces and empowering women through avenues like the Renewed Hope initiative.
Her comments come just as the country continues to battle the menace of insecurity.
In attendance at the event were Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, stated that the Nigerian Armed Forces have achieved a 27.9 per cent female participation rate in peace support operations, surpassing the UN-recommended standard of 17 per cent.