The Security of women and
the Security of states; The
Boko Haram Insurgency in
Nigeria, and the
Implementation of the
UNSCR 1325(2009-2023)
By Ibi Kontein
BU/23B/PGS/8439
01
Background to the Study
Conflicts in Nigeria have had a devastating impact on the
country’s security. Particularly on the safety of women. From
sexual violence to marginalization, because of their perceived
weakness.
Since 2009, Boko Haram Insurgency has ravaged the North-
Eastern part of the country. Violence and discrimination against
women in these parts, has significant effects on the overall
security and stability of the state(Nigeria).
On the flip side, empowerment and equal rights for women will aid
economic development, reduce poverty and improve state
security.
International organizations like the United Nations are frontliners
in promoting the peace and security of women. Several resolutions
have been adopted to ensure the safety of women during conflict,
and the participation of women in peace negotiations. One
prominent resolution, is the United Nations Security Council
Resolution 1325.
02
Statement of the Problem
Despite the existence of UNSCR 1325,
women in post-conflict Nigeria still face
dangerous security conditions.
GBV, and exclusion from peace negotiations
affect women’s security, and consequently
the security of states.
This research studied the dangers that
women in post-conflict North Eastern
Nigeria face, because of the boko haram
insurgency.
It further analyzes the degree to which
principles and provisions intended to
safeguard women have been implemented
by the Nigerian government and
incorporated into post-conflict initiatives.
03
Objectives of the Study
The general objective of this research, is to analyze the overall relationship that exists
between the security of women and the security of states, within the context of post Boko
Haram conflict in Nigeria.
The specific objectives of the study are to;
1. Assess the types of GBV and discrimination confronting women in post Boko Haram
communities in Nigeria
2. Analyze the extent to which the principles of UNSCR 1325 have been incorporated into
Nigeria’s post Boko haram conflict programs and policies.
3. Investigate the degree to which efforts at improving the security of women to enhance
state security, in Nigeria’s post Boko Haram conflict environment have been made.
4. Identify the actions and strategies needed to improve the implementation of UNSCR 1325
in Nigeria’s post Boko Haram conflict environment.
04
Significance of the study
There is an intersection between women’s security,
and state security in post-conflict settings. This study
aims to contribute to understanding this intersection.
Very few studies have examined gender inclusion in
Nigeria's post-conflict reforms (Madueke & Emerole,
2020). This study will help address this knowledge
gap.
Utilizing a feminist security studies lens, the study will
generate insights on the role of women's
empowerment in building secure and peaceful states
after conflict (Sjoberg, 2010).
Overall, the study aims to demonstrate the
importance of prioritizing gender issues as part of
sustainable, locally-owned peacebuilding solutions.
GENDER
Gender is a social construct that encompasses the roles, behaviors, and
attributes deemed appropriate for men and women in a given society.
Gender is institutionalized through various systems and influences
individuals' opportunities, expectations, and interactions.
This societal construct shapes power dynamics and hierarchical
relationships between men and women. Understanding gender is crucial
for addressing issues of conflict and promoting peace, as it permeates
all aspects of individuals' and societies' lives. Gender equity has become
a significant focus in recent international discussions.
UNSCR 1325
The United Nations Security Council has
recognized the vital roles of women in conflict
resolution through several resolutions, notably
UNSCR 1325 which initiated the 'Women, Peace
and Security Agenda'.
This resolution emphasizes the full participation
of women in peace processes, the integration of
gender perspectives in peacekeeping operations,
the protection of women’s rights, and gender
mainstreaming in UN systems.
Despite progress, gender equality in peace agreements remains insufficient due to
women's exclusion from formal peace processes. Women's involvement is crucial in
peacebuilding efforts and decision-making to ensure a more inclusive and sustainable
peace.
NIGERIA’S POST-CONFLICT ENVIRONMENT
Nigeria's policies for post-conflict reconstruction have
overlooked gender dynamics and failed to adequately
incorporate the perspectives and needs of women.
There’s a need to consciously integrate a gender
approach that is reflective of women's priorities and
responsive to their requirements for social, economic
and political reintegration after conflict.
Enforcing accountability for wartime atrocities against
women and girls are key to replacing cultures of
inequality with justice and equal rights for all genders in
the long run.
Nigeria’s implementation so far, of the UNSCR 1325 (2000-
2023)
Nigeria's post-conflict Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration
(DDR) programs have lacked female-specific components, excluding
women from full participation (UNSCR 2106, 2013).
Humanitarian assistance has insufficiently addressed the post-conflict
needs of women and girls, including reproductive health services.
Implementation of legal frameworks criminalizing gender-based
violence remains weak, with high impunity for sexual violence crimes in
conflict areas.
Lack of gender-disaggregated data persists, hindering analysis of the
gendered impacts of conflict.
RESEARCH GAP
RESEARCH GAP:
There is limited research on Nigerian women's status and security needs during post-
conflict rebuilding processes, despite existing studies on their experiences of
displacement, exploitation, and gender-based violence.
Most research has focused on crisis onset rather than recovery phases, and few have
empirically examined Nigeria's implementation of the women, peace, and security
agenda over the past two decades.
Although there are acknowledged links between women’s rights, gender equality, and
governance in conflict-affected states, there is a lack of studies specifically exploring
these relationships in Nigeria. One study indicated that gender inequality in security
sector reform adversely affected stability.
This study aims to address these gaps by focusing on Nigerian women's experiences of
security and inclusion in the post-conflict context, particularly regarding the
implementation of UNSCR norms, to enhance understanding of the connection
between women's rights and sustainable peace.
Feminist Peace Theory
FP theorists argue that resolving violent conflict
requires addressing patriarchal power structures.
This centers on women's experiences, and
challenges traditional associations between
femininity and peace.
In Nigeria, issues like ethnic clashes and gender-
based violence highlight the need for feminist
analysis, showing how women's marginalization
supports militarized masculinities.
FPT redefines security to focus on human development/empowerment. It emphasizes
women's lived experiences and local contexts, seeking to understand how post-
conflict rebuilding can protect or exclude women.
It calls for a human security approach that prioritizes individual rights and needs, in
conflict-affected areas, ensuring that community voices shape post-conflict priorities.
METHODOLOGY
Research Design Population of Study
Exploratory Survey research methodology. The study's population comprises women
It’s a reliable method of data collection. who are conflict victims living in Internally
Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Abuja.
That is, through standardized
questionnaires and interviews. It reduces According to UN estimates from 2021,
subjectivity. there are 531,000 IDP women in Nigeria.
It is cost and time efficient. Surveys Sampling Technique
investigate widespread phenomena Taro Yamane formula. IDP camps used for
affecting large populations, using tools like this study; Lugbe camp, Area 1 camp, New
questionnaires and interviews to gather Kuchingoro camp, Kuje camp, Wassa camp.
data for statistical analysis.
Also, purposive sampling technique was
This study uses a mixed methods
adopted. The criteria were that the individual
approach, combining quantitative and
qualitative techniques for data analysis. must be a woman, must reside in any of the
5 IDP camps, and must have post-boko
haram conflict experience.
Survey Responses
Apart from generic demographic questions, most of
the interview questions focused on the participant’s
understanding of GBV, their awareness of the
existence of UNSCR 1325, their perception of
security challenges, and post-conflict reconstruction
efforts and programs.
Women between the ages of 24-29 participated more
in the survey. More married women participated.
Majority of the respondents were not aware of the policies of UNSCR 1325.
They did not feel safe from physical violence in their community, they faced
economic discrimination, and they did not believe that the justice system
effectively addressed GBV in their community.
Overall, the respondents agreed that improving women’s security contributes
to general state security.
Testing of Hypotheses
There is no significant relationship between the types of gender-based violence Reject
and discrimination confronting women in post Boko Haram conflict communities
in Nigeria.
Principles of UNSCR 1325 have not been incorporated into Nigeria’s post
Reject
conflict policies and programs
Efforts have not been made at improving the security of women to
enhance state security, good governance, and peace-building in Nigeria’s
Accept
post Boko Haram conflict environment.
Discussion of Interview Findings
Most respondents do not feel safe from violence in their communities. This
insecurity is worsened by the discrimination and stigma faced by women in
post-conflict zones, where survivors are often ostracized and denied
economic opportunities. Additionally, the justice system fails to address the
needs and pain of survivors, sometimes treating former perpetrators better
than their victims.
The study critiques the implementation of the UNSCR 1325 resolutions,
suggesting that it is more theoretical than practical, with little awareness or
tangible impact in post-conflict areas. While the resolutions aim to secure
women's safety, the study finds that current policies lack proper
consultation, funding, and effectiveness. There is a disconnect between the
intentions of the UNSCR 1325 and the reality in Nigeria's post-conflict
regions. Securing women’s safety is essential for the overall security of state,
and calls for deliberate, well-implemented policies to achieve this goal.
Conclusion & Recommendation
Women in post-conflict zones in Nigeria face gender-based violence and discrimination. Although the
principles of the UNSCR 1325 resolutions have been incorporated into Nigeria's post-conflict efforts,
their impact has been limited, and more work is needed to make a real difference for women.
While some efforts have been made to improve women's security, the study emphasizes the need for
greater focus on their physical, mental, psychological, and economic well-being. Prioritizing women's
safety and security is essential for achieving overall state security.
Recommendations;
● Conduct thorough consultations before designing and implementing policies for women's security in
post-conflict areas.
● Incorporate legislation that emphasizes the resolutions of the UNSCR 1325 convention into national
laws.
● Prioritize funding for UNSCR 1325 initiatives at all government levels.
● Equip post-conflict centers with professional staff to support women dealing with trauma and
stigma from gender-based violence and sexual exploitation.
● Increase government awareness and sensitization efforts about the UNSCR 1325 resolutions.
● Make security a top priority on the government's agenda.
● Ensure women are fully involved in peace-building and reconciliation efforts.
THANK YOU.
