The critical role of women in achieving lasting security took center stage at a high-level town hall meeting in Kaduna, where a powerful coalition of police, civil defense, and religious leaders demanded an end to the institutional and cultural barriers that limit women's access to justice and peace processes.
The event, themed “Promoting Peace and Security Through Women’s Inclusion and Access to Justice,” brought together government representatives, civil society organizations, traditional and religious leaders, and disability rights advocates to address systemic challenges.
Police Command Advocates Gender-Responsive Policing
Representing the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, CP Rabiu Mohammed, CSP Martins Benjamin, the Head of the Legal Department, highlighted a strong message of commitment to inclusive security reforms.
“Peace, security, and justice cannot be achieved without the full participation of women,” CSP Benjamin read from the CP’s address. “Women experience the impact of insecurity and gender-based violence more intensely, yet they remain central to conflict resolution and community cohesion.”
He explained that the ongoing efforts by the police command to advance gender-responsive policing, including closer collaboration with civil society organizations and initiatives to encourage women to report crimes without fear.
He also acknowledged the support of the Spring Initiative, backed by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), for enhancing community resilience in the state.
NSCDC: “True Peace Requires Justice and Equality”
Echoing the police command’s stance, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kaduna State Command, emphasized that meaningful inclusion of women is fundamental to building stable societies.
In a goodwill message delivered by Commander Panam Musa, the NSCDC stated, “True peace is not just the absence of war, but the presence of justice and equality for all.” The Corps stressed that diverse perspectives in peace processes lead to “more comprehensive, durable, and sustainable solutions,” and called for continued collaboration among all stakeholders to break down barriers to women’s participation.
Religious Institutions Throw Weight Behind Initiative
Leaders from key religious bodies also lent their voices to the call for collective action.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN), Kaduna State Chapter, Rev. Caleb Maaji, declared that peacebuilding is a shared responsibility.
“It is my responsibility,it is your responsibility, it is our collective responsibility,” he stated. “If we must be who we should be, everyone must be allowed to play his or her own role.”
He assured participants of the continued support and prayers of religious institutions in the pursuit of peace.
Similarly, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) reiterated its commitment to collaborative peace efforts.
“We are calling everybody to embrace peace for a good world order,”a representative stated. “JNI has been working with NGOs, religious bodies, and CSOs to ensure peaceful coexistence in Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.”
A Unified Front for an Inclusive Future
The town hall concluded with a strong consensus: sustainable peace in Kaduna requires the active involvement of women at all levels of decision-making, supported by responsive institutions and community-wide cooperation.
The event,organized by Global Rights in partnership with local and international groups, marks a significant step toward aligning policy, tradition, and public will in the pursuit of a more just and secure society.
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