Stakeholders seek women inclusion at ITeach Africa Initiative summit 2026

Stakeholders have called for greater inclusion of women in leadership, governance and security, stressing the need to create more opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully to national development.

The call was made, Friday in Abuja, at the ITeach Africa Initiative Summit 2026, held at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the theme, “Advancing Women’s Leadership and Inclusive Governance and Security.”

In her welcoming remark, the Convener and Director-General, ITeach Africa Initiative and Empower Her for Governance Initiative, Alaibe-Elezieanya Ebimoboere, decried the persistent national security challenges.

According to her, kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, violent attacks and organised crime have impacted negatively on community residents, particularly vulnerable women.

She emphasised the need for the inclusion of women in decision-making, particularly on issues about national security as a means to fostering the early mechanisms in containing insecurity.

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), highlighted the need to advance women inclusion in governance to enhance nation-building.

The minister,‌⁠‍‍⁠⁠‌‌‍⁠‌‍‍⁠‌‌ who was represented by the Gender Adviser in the ministry, Lt.-Col. Nneka Olimma, lauded the programme initiative, saying it was imperative for women to play a key role in tackling security challenges.

According to him, terrorism, banditry, violent extremism, kidnapping, and cybercrime, among others, require a holistic approach to ensure lasting solution.

The minister, therefore, stressed the need for women to contribute their quota to tackle complex security challenges within the country.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Walson-Jack, represented by the Permanent-Secretary, Career Management Office of OHCSF, Nkiruka Jones-Nebo, said women’s participation in governance could strengthen growth.

She added that women’s participation in governance was key to creating room for more women to progress through mentorship, leadership training and creation of safe spaces in society.