Hon. Omosede Igbinedion, representing Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has urged for the active participation of women in diplomatic engagements, peace negotiations, and conflict resolution. She emphasized that women must be recognized as critical stakeholders in achieving sustainable peace, rather than just beneficiaries of peace initiatives. Igbinedion made this call at the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Arusha, Tanzania.
Igbinedion stressed that women's involvement in decision-making processes is crucial for meaningful progress in conflict prevention and resolution. She noted that women often play vital roles in identifying tensions within communities, protecting families during conflicts, and rebuilding trust in post-conflict situations. However, their contributions are frequently overlooked in formal negotiations and diplomatic processes.
The lawmaker insisted that women must not be invited into the room after decisions have been made, but rather be at the table, shaping the decisions and negotiating the peace. She emphasized that governments and international institutions must translate commitments to gender inclusion into concrete measures that enable women to participate fully in negotiations, mediation, and post-conflict reconstruction.
Igbinedion further emphasized that women's participation should go beyond symbolic representation to include access to leadership positions, adequate resources, and the authority to influence decisions on peace and security. She said, "We must give women the opportunity, the resources, and the authority to lead." This, she believes, will ensure that women are adequately represented at every stage of peace processes.
The lawmaker commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for expanding opportunities for women through ministerial, ambassadorial, and other strategic appointments. She also acknowledged Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for creating opportunities for women to participate in governance and leadership in the state.
Igbinedion praised Senate President Godswill Akpabio for the inclusion of women parliamentarians in the Sixth ECOWAS Parliament, which has strengthened women's participation in regional parliamentary diplomacy. She also commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, for promoting women's participation in the legislature and widening opportunities for them to take up leadership roles in diplomacy, peacebuilding, and international affairs.
Igbinedion called on political leaders, governments, and relevant institutions to ensure that women are adequately represented at every stage of peace processes. She stressed that sustainable peace requires inclusive decision-making and the contributions of all stakeholders. The lawmaker's advocacy for women's inclusion in peace talks and diplomacy highlights the need for a more equitable and representative approach to conflict resolution.
Key points
- Women must be recognized as critical stakeholders in achieving sustainable peace.
- Women's participation in decision-making processes is crucial for meaningful progress in conflict prevention and resolution.
- Governments and international institutions must translate commitments to gender inclusion into concrete measures that enable women to participate fully in negotiations, mediation, and post-conflict reconstruction.
