Women As a Catalyst For Peace, Security And Development in Southeast Nigeria

By Compassion Chidozie Ogbanu

In this article, I will be focusing on the fictional yet factual parameters of the “Unknown Gunmen (UGM),” a new nomenclature emanated from fear, terrorizing every home in Southeast Nigeria. Here, I argue how the security apparatus can deploy or tap from the wisdom of women (umu-ada) in solving the challenges of insecurity in the southeast region of Nigeria. This is a plea for a “cultural shift” which is part of a larger transformation in our understanding of insecurity and emerging long-lasting solutions. Progressively, I would extinguish politics from this discourse but the question that begs for an answer is the possibility of discussing insecurity without politics as an overlapping fraction because of the role politics play in the discourse of (in)security and its interconnectedness with other social structures, perhaps

Social structures are the composition of politics embedded in every system of government. Due to how covert and sometimes lateral, the operations of the Unknown Gunmen (UGM) spell, they have been identified as a replica of the Boko Haram in Maiduguri, Borno State in Northern Nigeria. An Islamic sect and terrorist group (U.S State Department 2013).

There are a few reasons why I asked the newspaper publisher about this title before moving ahead to expand it and offering my perspective regarding the insecurity in Southeast Nigeria which some state governors have labeled as political witch-hunting, aimed at making their states ungovernable for them thereby denying the citizen the opportunity of economic growth and deterring them from winning their second bid as governors in their respective states. Other sectors are sharing spaces with the defense department in terms of fiscal attributes. The resources that are meant for infrastructures are channeled to tackling security. The above submission was expressed by concerned citizens. “Today, so many atrocities have been taking place, especially in Imo State and Igboland in general. Citizens are left with no option other than pointing accusing fingers either at Ebube Agu/Eastern Security Network (ESN), IPOB, or “unknown gunmen,” and the government (The Guardian Newspaper, 29 January 2023). It is a general understanding that no investor would invest in an insecure environment.

Moving further, I wanted to know how Ndigbo (Igbo ethnic group) would perceive my opinions regarding the deployment of women’s capability within the framework of a non-kinetic approach in cushioning the insecurity challenges in this region. I have fixed my ears on the ground to hear how Nigerian women boisterously accepted this onerous challenge. Second, I was interested in learning about the emotional response of indigenes who are living in these threatened regions and how they are ‘discovering’ themselves amidst the new dimension of insecurity in Nigeria. The response from the publisher re-engineered my thoughts. It opened another shocker that I never knew. Looking at the efficacy of the topic, it challenges us to see women beyond the power they share in their homes or the “other room” as it has been noted in local parlance. Women could create a safe space for all and sundry.

Before arriving here, I argued that women possess the tact needed to carry out any task almost in all facets of life, including the protection of lives and properties, and I hope I gain the insight to elaborate same energy in this article. As it is popularly said, “What man can do, women can do better.” This discourse doesn’t set women as the overriding agency to solving insecurity challenges, but rather it is an ‘opening,’ ‘the new creation’ to the existing deployments. Women as the linchpin of an economy on the move, occupied a large sector of different aspects of society from labor, accessories, home care, and child delivery.

It will be unjust not to emphasize the genesis of women’s greatness in Africa. Historically, Aba women’s riot in 1929 was the first women’s riot in the history of African socioeconomic development (sic). It was the first time African women united to challenge the colonial policies against both men and women which yielded tremendous results in Southeast Nigeria predominantly occupied by Igbo ethnic society and Christians. This riot led to a major shake-off in the appointment of representatives. I christened this ethnic group as “the new phase of Nigeria’s development” because of their geographical spread. This action or a resemblance of it has never been witnessed in Northern Nigeria, pronounced dominated Muslim society, where many women are constrained from acting against deliberate policies informed by the patriarchy.

The term “unknown gunmen” is a catch-all for the criminal gangs carrying out frequent bouts of attacks on police and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) facilities, killing and abducting citizens across that part of the country. Groups of unknown gunmen have been targeting and killing people, especially military and security personnel, and other federal agents. Their operations have included burning down police stations, attacking government personnel and facilities, and perhaps the most shocking attack being the killing of a local legislator in Anambra. However, the activities of the UGM have gained notoriety in Anambra and indeed in the South-East, with the Monday lockdowns by the separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as a form of civil disobedience against the Federal Government for the arrest and detention of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Not long after this, some unknown elements began a brutal attempt to enforce the same lockdown beyond the stipulated timelines (Obeng-Akrofi 2022). UGM are not foreigners or aliens, and their operational bases are not infinite, the Federal Government should initiate deploying the power of women and take measures to restore the alienated people’s faith and sense of belonging to Nigeria.

Like many other nations, Nigeria faces significant crime and insecurity challenges. However, in the quest for sustainable peace and security, one crucial yet often underestimated resource remains untapped: the potential of women. Women possess unique qualities and perspectives that can serve as catalysts for positive change in Nigerian society most especially on the aspect of tackling insecurity. By recognizing and harnessing its capabilities, Nigeria can unlock a powerful force for combating crime and promoting peace. In this article, we explore the role of women as catalysts for peace and security in Nigeria and suggest means of utilizing their potential to effectively address crime.
Practical ways of achieving this include empowerment through education. Education is a fundamental tool for empowering women and fostering their involvement in peace and security initiatives. By providing quality education, Nigeria can equip women with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary to address the root causes of crime. Increased access to education and training opportunities will enable women to actively participate in decision-making processes, contribute to policy formulation, and shape initiatives aimed at crime prevention and conflict resolution.

Women’s meaningful participation in decision-making bodies and leadership roles is essential for promoting peace and security. Nigeria should strive for gender balance and inclusivity by increasing the representation of women in security agencies, peace negotiations, and conflict resolution mechanisms. By having a diverse range of perspectives and experiences at the table, women can bring fresh insights and contribute to more comprehensive strategies for crime prevention.

Economic empowerment plays a vital role in reducing crime rates and promoting stability. Nigeria can promote entrepreneurship, skill-building programs, and access to financial resources for women. By providing economic opportunities, such as vocational training, microfinance initiatives, and support for small businesses, women can become self-reliant and contribute to their families and communities. Economic empowerment offers an alternative to criminal activities and reduces the likelihood of involvement in illicit practices.

Another significant method is community engagement and dialogue. Women possess unique abilities to foster community engagement and dialogue, both of which are essential for crime prevention. Nigeria can establish platforms for women’s participation in community-based initiatives, neighborhood watch programs, and conflict resolution forums. Women are often effective communicators, skilled in building bridges and nurturing relationships. Encourage women to engage actively in their communities and play a role in preventing radicalization and crime. Women can organize grassroots initiatives, neighborhood watch programs, and community-based organizations that work towards countering extremist narratives and promoting social cohesion.
Their involvement in dialogue and mediation processes can help resolve conflicts peacefully, build trust, and prevent the escalation of violence. Supportive Legal and Policy Frameworks: creating a supportive legal and policy environment is crucial for leveraging women’s potential as catalysts for peace and security. Nigeria should enact and enforce legislation that promotes gender equality, protects women’s rights, and addresses the specific challenges faced by women about crime. Strengthening laws against gender-based violence, improving access to justice, and enhancing the accountability of perpetrators will empower women to participate actively in security and peacebuilding efforts. In some African countries, women have been actively involved in transitional justice processes, including truth and reconciliation commissions and post-conflict reconstruction. The healing and reconciliation within communities.
In conclusion, women have a pivotal role to play as catalysts for peace and security in Southeast Nigeria. Insecurity is the Ipso facto of the government’s inability to deploy women as a strategy to neutralize the UGM. Harnessing their potential requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, leadership opportunities, economic empowerment, community engagement, and supportive legal frameworks. Women have formed networks and organizations dedicated to peacebuilding and conflict resolution. For example, the Umu Ada Union, Women’s Associations in various religious bodies, and the annual August Meeting gatherings have played significant roles in advocating for peace, supporting women-led initiatives, and amplifying women’s voices in peace processes. Women have made significant contributions to conflict resolution in other African countries and play crucial roles in peacebuilding efforts at various levels. Therefore, we must not fail to provide the leverage for women to shine.

In the field of peacebuilding and mediation, women have actively engaged in peacebuilding and mediation processes across Africa. They have participated in peace talks, negotiations, and reconciliation efforts, often bringing a different perspective and emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, dialogue, and empathy. In terms of grassroots Mobilization, women have been at the forefront of grassroots movements for peace and reconciliation. They have organized community dialogues, peace marches, and advocacy campaigns to address the root causes of conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence. Encourage women to use media platforms, including social media, to counter extremist narratives and promote messages of peace, tolerance, and inclusivity. Women can play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and challenging the ideologies that fuel terrorism and crimes.
Finally, by investing in women and providing an enabling environment, Nigeria can tap into a valuable resource that can contribute significantly to crime prevention, conflict resolution, and the creation of a safer and more peaceful society. It is important to note that while women have made significant contributions, they often face various challenges and barriers to their participation in conflict resolution efforts. Efforts are ongoing to promote women’s meaningful inclusion and leadership in peace processes, recognizing their crucial role in building peaceful and inclusive societies in Nigeria and beyond.