During the one-day Gender Mainstreaming Conference at the Defence Headquarter, which had as its topic "building capacity through gender mainstreaming to meet security challenges," the first lady provided this advise. Hajia Nana Shettima read the first lady's speech.
Oluremi praised the AFN leadership for organizing the program and said that, given the nation's numerous security concerns, the event was appropriate.
"I applaud the leadership of the AFN for accepting the gender mainstreaming concept in line with the Global Best Practice and the UN Security Council Resolution 1325," the speaker stated. "The theme is apt because it is about shaping a safer, better, and more equitable world for everyone."
"The purpose of this conference is to enhance the understanding within the armed forces, promoting inclusivity and retooling services, personnel performance enhancement, and the upholding of peace and security in Nigeria."
The first lady went on to say that multipath and increasingly sophisticated security concerns had emerged.
The security of countries and people is continuously under investigation, from terrorism and cybercrime to climate change and health crises.
"Gender mainstreaming is a potent weapon in our toolbox, and innovative and comprehensive approaches are required to address these challenges effectively."
According to her, security is understood to include social and environmental sustainability, economic stability, human rights protection, and environmental sustainability in addition to military might.
According to her, addressing security concerns and advancing gender mainstreaming call for teamwork.
"We can begin by making sure that security policies and strategies incorporate gender perspectives, which will encourage more women to enlist and advance within the forces.
"Women's leadership and involvement in security institutions, peace talks, efforts to resolve conflicts, and bringing a more reconciliatory perspective to negotiations must be encouraged."
Women shouldn't face discrimination for getting married or having children, she added, adding that gender sensitivity and awareness should be included in security personnel education and training programs.
Additionally, she suggested that in order to have an effective system for reporting and handling cases of this kind, security agencies must work together more closely in the effort to eradicate gender-based violence.
"Incidents should be reported by female soldiers without fear of retaliation." Governments, civil society organizations, and international organizations must work together to exchange best practices and hold each other responsible for advancement.
"We have improved women's empowerment through the Renewed Hope Initiative project by granting women access to training and education.
"We have also given the women laptops and grants to help them in their academic and career endeavors.
This is due to our conviction that empowering women also inevitably empowers communities and eventually the entire country.
"Therefore, we hope that the leadership in the Armed Forces will empower women in their rank and file and carry this conversation beyond the boundaries of this conference."
Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, and Alhaji Mohammed Baduru, the Minister of Defence, praised the First Lady and promised to consider her suggestions.