By maryam Diallo
lnterfaith Advocate Hajiya Ramatu Tijjjani Propels Gender-Inclusive Environmental Peacebuilding Dialogue in Nigeria.
Nigerian interfaith specialist Hajiya Ramatu Tijjjani took advantage of Interfaith Week 1st -7th february 2024 to advocate for the active involvement of women in environmental peacebuilding Dialoque and mediation. This advocacy unfolded during a dialogue with stakeholders on peacebuilding in Nigeria, extending to a visit to a Kaduna church to celebrate Harmony Week.
Highlighting the significance of gender balance in multi-track environmental diplomacy, Hajiya Ramatu Tijjjani emphasized the potential to leverage women’s distinct knowledge, diverse perspectives, and experiences. This inclusive approach aims to tap into women’s coping capacities and sources of resilience, effectively addressing human and environmental security threats.
“We must enhance the participation of women in environmental diplomacy, making gender issues intrinsic to the peacebuilding agenda,” asserted Tijjjani. She added that women environmental peacebuilders need tailored support for their safety, active participation in environmental discussions, and the assertion of their rights.
As the National President of the Foundation for the Protection of Women and Children in nigeria, Tijjjani underscored the importance of increasing women’s involvement in community-level environmental peacebuilding,and dialogues, recognizing their positive impact to resloving ethno-rigious and political tension.
Acknowledging women’s crucial role in fostering dialogue, she advocated for gender-inclusive multi-track environmental diplomacy that would engaged the.involvement of all women irrespectives of tribe, culture,ethnicity and historical.backgroud
Tijjjani called for women to contribute to the design and implementation of environmental governance initiatives on an equal footing with their male counterparts, despite the acknowledged risks they face, often becoming targets of violence.
In summary, Tijjjani stressed the need for developing gender-disaggregated data and analysis, coupled with targeted policies and programs backed by sufficient funds. This comprehensive approach aims to address the impacts of conflict, environmental crises, and displacement on affected individuals.
Mrs Ramatu Tijjani has used the harmony week in.educating local womens in community the importance of involving themserves in peace building in their environment while encouraging widows to always support other women to fight against drugs abuse and other social act
