By Milcah Tanimu
One Percent International Management Service Limited, a non-governmental organization (NGO), is highlighting the critical importance of integrating women into the peacebuilding and national unity process. Amb. Stephaine Nnadi, the CEO of the organization, made this declaration in a statement released on Monday in Abuja.
Nnadi revealed that the NGO is preparing to host a one-day symposium designed to raise awareness about the pivotal role women play in peace, mediation, and reconciliation efforts while commemorating the United Nations International Day of Peace. The symposium, titled “Women as Burden Bearers: A Time for Peace,” is scheduled to take place at the Wells Carlton Hotel in Asokoro, Abuja, on September 21.
The primary goal of the symposium is to address the recent surge in conflicts, wars, and civil unrest worldwide, particularly in Africa, as well as the full-blown conflicts in Russia and Ukraine. Nnadi emphasized that women have consistently borne the burdens of terrorism, displacement, community clashes, and banditry. Therefore, it is crucial to explore ways to fully involve women in the pursuit of peace and national unity.
Nnadi stressed that the symposium offers an opportunity to both commemorate the UN International Day of Peace and raise awareness about the indispensable role of women in promoting peace, mediating conflicts, and facilitating reconciliation efforts in Africa.
The organization expressed deep concern over the ongoing tragedies in countries like Ethiopia, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria, where incessant attacks by armed groups have left women and children as the primary victims.
Nnadi announced that the symposium would draw participants from various sectors, including government institutions, members of the National Assembly, the diplomatic community, academia, the private sector, and the media.
Nnadi, along with one of the organization’s key ambassadors, Mrs. Adaora Sydney-Jack, a UN Ambassador, extended an invitation to the general public to participate in the event, contributing their perspectives toward building a stronger, united, and more prosperous nation that enhances the well-being of its citizens.
