WOMEN ENVIRONMENT AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (WOYODEV)

PEACE AND SECURITY STAKEHOLDERS’ ENGAGEMENT – IPONRIN COMMUNITY, ILORIN EAST LGA, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

On Friday, 29th August 2025, Women Environment and Youth Development Initiative-WOYODEV in partnership with the National Women’s Platform on Security Sector Reform and Governance convened a Grassroots Dialogue on Women, Peace, and Security in Iponrin Community, Ilorin East LGA, Kwara State.

The engagement, led by Mrs. Victoria Tosin Apiriola-Ajayi (WOYODEV, Executive Director and Member, National Women’s Platform), brought together community leaders, women, security actors, market leaders, religious figures, and CSOs to:

Raise awareness on security threats including kidnapping, banditry, and unusual market crowding.

Amplify women’s voices and strengthen their role in peacebuilding and decision-making.

Promote vigilance (“if you see something, say something”).

Foster stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies.

Key Highlights:

Women emphasized the need for inclusion in peace and security processes.

Community leaders reaffirmed their commitment to security but appealed for more government support (e.g., provision of patrol vehicles).

Stakeholders pledged to sustain vigilance, strengthen community policing, and build partnerships for safer communities.

In attendance were Community Participants, WOYODEV Representatives, WANEP Members (FDF, CONCED and WECTIN), Security Officers and Community Policing Forum Representatives.

With accumulated 79% of the total participants comprising of women and youth, this dialogue marks another step toward ensuring that women and youth’s perspectives shape peace and security in Nigeria, contributing to a safer, more inclusive society!

#WomenPeaceSecurity #WOYODEV #CommunityDialogue #Peacebuilding #InclusiveSecurity #KwaraState @nationalwomenplatform_ssrg @womenssrg

@national women platform on security sector reforms governance.

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