Increased Female Representation in Military Key to Operational Success – Defence College

• The National Defence College (NDC) emphasized increasing female representation in the military and security agencies to enhance operational effectiveness
• The workshop highlighted women’s critical roles in security operations, promoting gender-responsive policies and networks within security institutions

The National Defence College (NDC) has emphasized the need to boost female representation in the military and other security agencies to achieve more effective operational outcomes.

During the opening session of a two-day workshop on the “Promotion of Women’s Network/Association in the Security Sector,” Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu, Commandant of NDC, highlighted this necessity. Represented by the college Secretary, AVM Titus Dauda, Olotu explained that balanced gender representation is crucial for improving the efficiency of security operations.

The workshop, themed “Enhancing Gender-Responsive Security Operations and Community Dialogue Project in Nigeria (Phase II),” provided a platform for wives’ associations from the army, navy, air force, police, and civil defence to contribute significantly to the success of security operations.

Olotu pointed out the importance of family roles, especially those of women, in strengthening and sustaining security institutions in a constantly changing world. He emphasized, “The security sector is a crucial area where balanced gender representation can significantly improve operational outcomes. Thus, it is important to recognize and give credence to the vital roles women continue to play within the sector.”

He advocated promoting women’s networks and associations to shape gender-responsive policies within security institutions. These networks provide platforms for mutual support, mentorship, and skills sharing while advocating for institutional changes that acknowledge and value women’s contributions.

Ms. Beatrice Eyong, the UN Women Country Representative in Nigeria, also addressed the workshop. Represented by Peter Mancha, Programme Specialist for Women, Peace, and Security at UN Women, she reiterated the UN Security Council’s call for member states to ensure women have a significant role in peace and security efforts. Eyong noted that women and children often bear the brunt of violent conflicts and constitute the majority in IDP camps in Nigeria.

She questioned the tendency to view women solely as victims of violence, advocating for their inclusion in peace and security discussions. “Why do we always see women as victims of violence? Why are we not seeing them as people that can contribute to peace?” Eyong asked. She emphasized that women have untapped potential that should be harnessed to improve peace and security processes.

The workshop underscored the importance of developing national action plans to actively involve women in peace and security actively, enhancing overall security outcomes.