By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
A one day costing workshop of the Edo State Action Plan (SAP) on the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, has taken place in Benin.
The workshop which brought together members of the Edo State Action Plan Localization Steering Committee, reflecting Edo State Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), the Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Media, Religious and Community Leaders, is part of the project “Strengthening Local Leadership in Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security in Nigeria, was anchored by the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) Nigeria, in partnership with the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP), and with support from Global Affairs Canada.
In her welcome address, WANEP’s Nigeria National Network Coordinator – Chief Dr Bridget Osakwe said since 2018, WANEP Nigeria has been pioneering the Localization of UNSCR 1325 in the country. “The Network has also worked with stakeholders to develop Local and State Action Plans in various parts of the country. The Edo State Action Plan on 1325 represents a significant milestone, and this costing exercise is crucial to move from commitment to measurable action
“The workshop aims to ensure that the Edo SAP is not only aligned with the Nigeria’s 3rd National Action Plan (NAP) on UNSCR 1325, but that it is supported with a clear costing framework to guide practical implementation.
“By developing realistic budgets and identifying sustainable resource strategies, the costing process will strengthen government ownership, encourage stakeholders’ accountability, and provide a roadmap for mobilizing funding towards the Women, Peace, and Security agenda in Edo State”, she said.
Speaking, the CEO of Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP)- Mavic Cabrera-Balleza said the costing workshop was to put Edo State in the right path towards localizing the Edo SAP on UNSCR 1325. According to her, “this workshop will ensure that the budgeting exercise reflects the priorities of all sectors and build a shared frame work for delivery.”
A Consultant on Women, Peace and Security – Ms. Amy Oyekunle took the Technical Steering Committee members through an overview of a High-level SAP on UNSCR 1325. She said the United Nations Security Council adopted the UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security on 31st October 2000, and 107 countries signed to it, including Nigeria.
According to Amy Oyekunle, “the UNSCR 1325 on WPS, recognizes the disproportionate impact wars and conflicts have on Women; it also recognizes the potentials of women in international peace and security. The UNSCR 1325 also established legitimacy and a framework for introducing and advocating for gender equality.” She said Nigeria government launched the first National Action Plan (NAP) in 31st October, 2013 through the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA).
“The 2nd NAP was launched in May 2017, also through the FMWA, with support by the UN Women, European Union, and the DFID. She said Nigeria is about launching the 3rd NAP.
The WPS Consultant gave the following as principles of a High-level State Action Plan (SAP): sustained political will; appropriate design; effective coordination; civil society inclusion; result based M & E; and adequate resources.
There were Group Works and Plenaries on review of draft chapters, and financial planning for concrete actions outlined in Edo SAP on UNSCR 1325.
