The Building Blocks for Peace Foundation (BBFORPEACE), a Nigerian NGO dedicated to conflict prevention and peacebuilding, has successfully conducted a crucial training program for female officers of the Southwest Regional Security Network, known as Amotekun. This initiative, supported by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN Commission) and the Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS), aims to integrate gender and human rights into community policing across the region.
Training Overview
Participants in the training came from Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, and Oyo States, along with representatives from the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps. This cross-state participation not only broadened the program’s impact but also fostered collaboration and experience-sharing among female officers throughout the Southwest.
Mr. Rafiu-Adeniran Lawal, the Executive Director of BBFORPEACE, represented by Ms. Stephanie Effevottu, the foundation’s Director of Programs, emphasized the significance of the training. He noted that it builds on a foundation laid during a similar program in 2023, which focused on Ethics and Human Rights Frameworks in Community Policing. “This training on mainstreaming gender and human rights in community policing is important and critical,” he stated.
Importance of Gender and Human Rights in Security
Barrister Titilayo Asabia from the DAWN Commission highlighted the need for security measures that address the diverse experiences of various demographic groups. “Amotekun was created by the governors of the six Southwest States to safeguard lives and property, focusing on partnerships between security agencies and the communities they serve. The experiences of women, men, marginalized groups, and young people differ, and security measures must reflect these differences,” she emphasized.
Mr. Testimony Omole of the AGFCS underscored the role of their Security Playbook research in shaping the training program. He encouraged participants to enhance their capacities and share their knowledge with those unable to attend, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the initiative.
Key Training Sessions
The program featured comprehensive sessions covering topics such as:
- The role of women in conflict resolution
- Mainstreaming gender in community policing
- Legal frameworks for human rights protection
Participants reported that the training significantly improved their understanding of gender mainstreaming and the application of human rights principles in their work. This marks a substantial step toward enhancing peace and security in Nigeria’s Southwest region.
By equipping female officers with essential knowledge and skills, BBFORPEACE and its partners are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive approach to community policing. This initiative not only empowers women in security roles but also contributes to a more peaceful and secure environment in the Southwest, reflecting the diverse needs and experiences of all community members.