The Newly elected National President of the National Council for Women Societies Nigeria (NCWS) Hajiya Lami Ahmed Lau has commended the Nigerian Army for taking the lead to promote gender and affirmative action for women through the Armed Force of Nigeria Gender Policy that was launched in 2021 which seeks to among others, ensure 35% affirmative action for women.
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The National President gave this commendation on Thursday when she led members of the association on a Courtesy Visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Farouk Yahaya at Army Headquarters Abuja in Request of strengthening the collaboration of the office of the Chief of Army Staff and by extension, the Nigerian Army with the women in Nigeria to ensure a more robust and holistic approach to addressing the multifaceted security challenges that currently plagued our nation.

Hajiya Lami Ahmed Lau in her word lauded the leadership of the Nigerian Army in achievements by recording for both men and women of Nigerian Armed rank forces for increased in women involvements in recruitment and enlistment, training, retention, promotion, posting, operations, logistics, accommodation, budgeting, and institution of maternity and paternity leave. 

The NCWS National President pointed out that this is indeed a bold step by the echelon of the Nigerian Armed Forces to promote gender mainstreaming in the nation's armed forces.

She also made case for gender equality in the effort to address the longing violent conflicts in Nigeria which is critical to achieving lasting solutions. 

"Evidence indicates that women who participate in peace processes are usually focused less on the spoils of the war, rather their focus is majorly on reconciliation, economic development, education and transitional justice which are all critical elements of sustained peace.

She urged that Nigerian Army and Nigeroans should recognize and implement the three pillars of the women's peace and security agenda which are protection, prevention and participation. 

She pledged that the Council will make themselves available to join forces with the security system in Nigeria to ensure the safeguards of all women in Nigeria.

Responding, the Chief of Army Staff Congratulated her as the 15th President of National President of the National Council for Women Societies Nigeria (NCWS), pledged to support the National Council as they are willing to work collaboratively with the Nigerian Army.

The COAS assured the National Council of full implementation of the Policy that will take care of the structural challenges that tend to militate against women's advancement in the Nigerian  Army. 

"My leadership have been supportive in aspect of the military welfare, human resource, personnel, logistics, and medical services. We will move from policy to action by ensuring a gender culture in the Nigerian Army as our personnel will be abreast with the global best practices on gender issues",he assured.

Present at the visit were Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters and delegates from  National Council for Women Societies Nigeria (NCWS) representatives of 36 States including FCT, amongst others.

Source: https://www.spyetv.com.ng/2022/06/ncws-praises-army-for-taking-lead-to.html?m=1