The role of women in peace building and conflict resolution is quite critical, women are not only firsthand victims of conflict, they also play a critical role in resolving same. In recent times, the southeast region has experienced some level of unrest- the secessionist agitations by the IPOB group, extrajudicial killings, kidnapping and communal clashes. As part of CLEEN’s mandate on public safety, security and justice, women in Owerri, Imo state were provided a platform to be sensitized and empowered on their role in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. So, on 14th August at the popular annual Igbo women august meeting, the CLEEN team engaged women in their numbers and educated them on their role in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
Bearing in mind that in conflict situations, women have peculiar experiences different from that of men, the meeting focused not on the negative impact of insecurity on women alone; but to emphasis the important roles women can play especially in helping end conflict and insecurity.
The women were taught to understand their importance and role in the society as key stakeholders in promoting peace and security; as well as how they can contribute and help in ending insecurity and conflict in their communities. Being the most affected group by conflicts and insecurity, lasting solutions towards addressing the issues and bringing about safe and secure communities including the protection of women’s rights cannot be achieved without their contributions in the security and peacebuilding discourse.