August 29, 2024 – Abuja, Nigeria
In a landmark event that underscores the growing recognition of gender perspectives in national security, the Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD) made a resounding impact at the Defence Headquarters Annual Gender Conference 2024. Held on August 29, the conference, with the theme “Mainstreaming Women, Peace, and Security for Enhanced Operations in the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” proved to be a significant forum for discussing the integration of diverse gender perspectives into military operations.
Representing NWD were President Lois Auta and Catherine Akor, who delivered compelling insights into the crucial role of inclusive approaches in peace and security frameworks. Their participation not only highlighted the contributions of women with disabilities but also showcased their unique perspectives on enhancing military effectiveness and inclusivity.
The Defence Headquarters Annual Gender Conference 2024 was convened to address the pressing need for gender mainstreaming within Nigeria’s armed forces. The conference aimed to foster discussions on how women’s contributions can be better integrated into military operations, with a specific focus on how the inclusion of women with disabilities can enhance overall mission effectiveness.
Lois Auta, President of NWD, opened the discourse with a powerful keynote address. She articulated the pressing need for structural changes within military institutions to ensure that women, including those with disabilities, are represented at all levels of decision-making. Auta’s address resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing that an inclusive approach not only fosters equality but also strengthens national security. Her words were a call to action for policymakers and military leaders to prioritize the integration of women with disabilities into strategic roles.
Catherine Akor, a prominent advocate for disability rights and gender inclusion, provided a detailed analysis of the current gaps in military frameworks regarding the representation of women with disabilities. Her presentation included compelling data and case studies that illustrated how inclusive practices have led to more effective and adaptable military operations in other countries. Akor’s insights provided a practical roadmap for implementing similar practices within the Nigerian context, advocating for policies that not only address gender disparities but also leverage the unique skills and perspectives of women with disabilities.
The conference also featured a series of panel discussions and workshops where Auta and Akor’s contributions were instrumental in shaping the dialogue. Their expertise was evident as they engaged with military officials, policymakers, and other stakeholders, advocating for actionable strategies to embed gender inclusivity into the fabric of military operations.
In addition to their presentations, Auta and Akor participated in a roundtable discussion that delved into specific strategies for overcoming barriers to the inclusion of women with disabilities in the armed forces. They highlighted the need for targeted training programs, support structures, and policy reforms that could facilitate the active participation of women with disabilities in various military roles.
The discussions at the conference reflected a growing recognition of the value of diverse perspectives in enhancing operational effectiveness. The presence and contributions of Lois Auta and Catherine Akor underscored the importance of including women with disabilities in these conversations, providing a fresh and crucial perspective on how gender inclusion can drive positive change within military institutions.
The conference concluded with a strong commitment from all stakeholders to advance gender mainstreaming within the armed forces. The contributions of NWD were particularly noted for their depth and relevance, setting a new standard for how disability and gender inclusion can be effectively integrated into national security strategies.
As the event wrapped up, the sense of optimism and determination was palpable. NWD’s participation at the Defence Headquarters Annual Gender Conference 2024 marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to ensure that the voices of women with disabilities are not only heard but valued in the realm of national security.
The Network of Women with Disabilities remains dedicated to advocating for greater gender inclusion across all sectors, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening national security through the empowerment and inclusion of women with disabilities. Their efforts continue to shine a spotlight on the essential role that diversity plays in building a more effective and equitable military framework.
