Gender Officer urges ECOWAS governments to involve women in decision-making

 

Mrs Florence Ngozi Chukwude, Senior Administrative Officer of the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has urged ECOWAS governments to involve women in decision-making, to help accelerate the sub-region’s socio-economic development.

She said empowering women and improving their social, political and economic status, were important for the achievement of transparent and accountable governance and sustainable development in all spheres of life.

Mrs Chukwude made the appeal in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on the sidelines of the on-going three-day training workshop on the monitoring and evaluation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 in West Africa.

She said UNSCR 1325 was passed in 2,000 to re-affirm the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peace-building, peace-keeping, humanitarian response and in post-conflict reconstruction.

She urged governments in the sub-region to create the platform that would facilitate the smooth implementation of UNSCR 1325, by creating an affirmative action plan for the good of the entire populace.

Mrs Chukwude said when women are given equal opportunities and full participation as active agents in peace and security in the sub-region, it will reduce their burden.

She further indicated the need for steps to be taken to help monitor the achievements of UNSCR 1325 targets in the sub-region.

She also called for punitive action against perpetrators of all forms of violence against women and children during conflict and post conflict eras, to serve as deterrent to others.

The Gender Officer encouraged her fellow women to have confidence in themselves, and take up responsibilities in society.

(GNA)