Gender mainstreaming in security sector reform: Enhancing women’s participation in peace-building in Akure-Kingdom communities of Ondo State

Abstract

This paper investigates gender mainstreaming in security sector reform and the enhancement of women's participation in peace building within the Akure-Kingdom communities of Ondo State, Nigeria. The paper aims to increase women's involvement in these areas not only in Akure Kingdom communities but also in Nigeria as a whole. The paper establishes four research objectives to guide it. Drawing on feminist theory and institutional theories, this paper adopts a documentary review approach, utilising books, journals, and online sources as primary sources of information. The findings highlight the inadequacy of existing domestic policies and frameworks for addressing gender-related challenges in security sector reform and peace building. Factors such as limited resources, insuficient capacity-building, and a lack of political will contribute to this lack of integration. Barriers to women's participation identified in the paper include cultural beliefs, community oppression, public discrimination, financial constraints, limited education, and gender stereotypes. However, the paper also reveals a significant relationship between women's involvement and sociocultural factors, emphasising the necessity of gender-responsive policies. Specifically, government’s non-compliance with the implementation of 35% affirmative action for women's representation in government added to the problems of gender mainstreaming in security sector reforms. Consequently, this paper proposes recommendations for improving domestic policies, frameworks, and government practices to align with affirmative action requirements and promote gender equality.