The United Kingdom’s Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mrs. Gill Lever, has said that communities become safer, more resilient, and more cohesive when women actively participate in peace processes. She made the remarks in Abuja while speaking on the importance of inclusive approaches to conflict resolution and community development.
Lever emphasized that women’s involvement in peacebuilding efforts strengthens social stability and promotes lasting solutions to conflicts. She noted that evidence from different parts of the world shows that peace agreements are more sustainable when women play a meaningful role in negotiations and implementation.
According to her, empowering women to take part in decision-making processes enhances trust within communities and fosters broader representation. She said inclusive participation ensures that diverse perspectives are considered, leading to outcomes that address the needs of the entire population.
The Deputy High Commissioner highlighted the UK government’s commitment to supporting gender equality and the inclusion of women in governance and security initiatives. She explained that advancing women’s participation is not only a matter of fairness but also a strategic approach to achieving durable peace.
Lever stated that women often bring unique experiences and insights to peace discussions, particularly in communities affected by violence and insecurity. She added that their contributions can help shape responses that are more community-focused and sustainable.
She also pointed out that increasing women’s roles in peace processes aligns with global frameworks, including United Nations resolutions that call for the protection of women’s rights and their involvement in conflict prevention and resolution.
Speaking on Nigeria’s context, Lever acknowledged the security challenges facing parts of the country. She said collaborative efforts that involve women at all levels—from grassroots initiatives to national policy discussions—can contribute significantly to strengthening peacebuilding mechanisms.
The envoy stressed that women’s leadership in community dialogues, mediation efforts, and reconciliation initiatives can help rebuild trust and promote unity in areas affected by unrest. She noted that excluding women from such processes risks overlooking critical perspectives that could support long-term stability.
Lever further explained that inclusive peace processes tend to result in agreements that are more widely accepted by communities. She said when different segments of society see themselves represented, they are more likely to support and uphold the outcomes of negotiations.
The UK government, she said, continues to work with Nigerian partners, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to promote women’s empowerment and participation in governance and security sectors. She added that such partnerships are essential in advancing shared goals of peace and development.
She reiterated that the benefits of women’s participation extend beyond conflict resolution. According to her, inclusive governance structures also strengthen institutions, improve accountability, and foster social cohesion.
Lever called for sustained efforts to remove barriers that limit women’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles. She emphasized the need for policies and initiatives that create enabling environments for women to contribute effectively.
Observers at the event noted that the remarks reflect growing international recognition of the link between gender inclusion and sustainable peace. They said increasing women’s involvement in peace processes could play a critical role in addressing complex security challenges.
The Deputy High Commissioner concluded by reaffirming the UK’s support for initiatives that promote equality and inclusive peacebuilding. She expressed confidence that empowering women in Nigeria and beyond would contribute to safer and more resilient communities.
