Sunday 20 December 2020

GENDER EQUALITY REVISITED

 Between the 17th and 18th of December, 2020, the 'Annual Women's Conference' with theme: 'Engendering a formidable force for gender equality' was held at the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), Abuja. The parley was convened by Women's Voice & Leadership Nigeria (WVLN) Project,100 Women Lobby Group & Women in Politics Forum (WIPF). It was supported by Global Affairs Canada & Action Aid. Some of the sub-themes are: Women's political participation, Sexual & Gender Based Violence (SGBV), Economic justice, The role of He for She, Peace/Security and Media. The Nigeria Women Aspirants' Website was launched! The first stanza of the 'Women's Anthem' below, sets the tone:

Women's Anthem

All across the nation, all around the world

Women are longing to be free

No longer in the shadows, forced to stay behind

But side by side in true equality...

L-R: Ms. Ene Ede (FCT VAPP - Violence Against Persons Prohibition Coordinator) & Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa

Some of the participants are:

*Dame Pauline Tallen - Minister for Women Affairs
*Dr. Oby Ezekwesili - Chair & Founder, Fix Politics/Former Minister for Education & Solid Minerals
*Iyom Josephine Anenih - Former Minister of Women Affairs
*Barr. Mary Ekpere-Eta - DG NCWD
*Ms. Ene Obi - Country Director, Action Aid
*Mrs. Felicia Onibon - National Coordinator, 100 Women Lobby Group/Founder & President Change Managers International Network
*Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa - Independent Consultant/Conflict Transformation Expert
*Prof Laide Adedokun - LASU
*Barr. Ebere Ifendu - President, Women in Politics Forum (WIPF)
*Mrs. Moji Makanjuola (MFR) - Veteran Broadcaster
*Prof. Joy Ezeilo - UNN
*Prof. Bunmi Ashimolowo - Discussant
*Prof. Yinka Omoregbe - Discussant
*Dr. Lydia Umar - Discussant
*Austin Aigbe - CDD
*Hon. Sarah Ochekpe - Discussant
*Hon. Titilayo Akerele - National Director, NILOWV

Each of the sub-themes was exhaustively discussed. On SGBV, the concensus was that the launching of the website for sex offenders since 2015 is a watershed in the fight against SGBV. See for example: Nigeria launches first national sex offenders register (25th November, 2019)    aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/26/nigeria-launches-first-national-sex-offenders-register
This online register, which is visible to the whole world, ensures that there is no hiding place for sex offenders! See also: GBV in film: Sandra's Cross    dayokusa.blogspot.com/2018/12/gender-based-violence-in-film-sandras.html; The Gender Hub (GH): A viable tool for networking among stakeholders    dayokusa.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-gender-hub-gh-viable-tool-for.html; Kaduna stste Governor passes castration law for rape    https://www.republicworld.com/worldnews/africa/nigeria-governor-passes-castration-law-for-rape/; All 36 state Governors declare state of emergency over rape    https://www.voanews.com/africa/all-36-nigeria-governors-declare-state-of-emergency-over-rape; SGBV during Covid-19    https://theconversation.com/sexual-gbv-covid-19/

On the role of He4She, it was unanimously agreed that gender friendly males need to support the clamour for equality. Women cannot do it alone, they need the support of the men. On economic justice, the panelists said that women should be given equal access to opportunities/loans/training, etc. Besides, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought to the fore the fact that 'digital marketing' is it. On peace and security, it was said that the WPS agenda should be executed via a viable road map. See for example: UNSCR 1325 @ 20: The role of women in the security sector    dayokusa.blogspot.com/2020/11/unscr-1325-20-role-of-women-in-security.html

Prof. Joy Ezeilo gave a good account of herself and her formidable team when she presented the report of their research on 'Beijing + 25' via Zoom. She revealed a number of shocking data/information from the research viz; 56% of respondents were Christians, 48% were NCE/OND holders, 47% were married, ages of respondents: 18 - 58 years, 81% never heard of FGM/child marriage/mental abuse/incest! Majority of respondents said poverty was a major cause of SGBV. Many alluded to poor response from government to SGBV. Many suggested 'modest dressing' for women. 78% had never heard of Beijing+ 25!

Research methodology: Multi-stage random cluster sampling, Random selection of states for study, Zoom (online) training for data gatherers, Computer analysis - coding/SPSS/% frequency/tables/charts/quantitative data. Challenges: Information consent, Challenges of Covid-19, review of extant literature, Feminist theory, Conflict theory, etc. 

Suggestions: More awareness needs to be created about the signposts of the Beijing conference held 25 years ago! NGOs should use the multi-media approach to disseminate extant information. The SDGs should be continually popularised. Adequate punishment of offenders would mitigate impunity as regards SGBV. For more effective detection, investigation and prosecution of SGBV cases, raw evidence should be conserved, investigation should be diligent, forensic investigation should be carried out by experts, community policing is essential, there should be synergy on effort to curb SGBV, etc. 

FeministHub.org was launched. I look forward to the next edition of the Women's Conference in 2021... 




Related Links

*Here's why Glass Ceiling may remain intact despite female leadership    https://www.forbes.com/sites/kimelsesser/2020/12/14/heres-why-glass-ceiling-may-remain.../
*After the pandemic, put women first    blogs.worldbank.org
*Paris City Hall fined for 'putting too many women in senior positions'    theguardian.com
*African companies' competitive edge: Women?    https://www.forbes.com/sites/avivahwittenbergcox/2020/12
*How fearless women lead    ted.com
*Women-led governments are more likely to deliver on campaign promises: Multi-country study    thewaddle.com    https://ow.ly/xqzt50DLd70
*The impact of Covid-19 on FGM in Egypt    https://kujenga-amani.ssrc.org/.../the-impact-covid-fgm-egypt/
*Neuro-scientists are ignoring the differences between males & females        newscientist.com
*Bill Gates can remove Melinda French Gates from Foundation in 2 years if they can't work together after their divorce      nytimes.com
*WPS & Humanitarian Action Compact      forum.genrationequality.com
*6 Nigerian Banks now have female MDs     https://lnkd.in/dxYZQPM
*Ms. Reem Alsalem is UN Special Rapporteur on VAW (1st August 2021)       https://lnkd.in/eDaACra
*Why don't we consider VAW&G terrorism?     feministcurrent.com
*Despite recovery efforts, women's unemployment continues to grow     www.gatesfoundation.org
*The unmasking of Biblical womanhood: Challenging day to day Evangelical patriarchy      newyorker.com
*The wisdom of women's fury     http://t.ted.com/Qe6JoCB
*We must raise girls to be brave, not perfect     http://t.ted.com/mlUP8dn
*Know your African feminists     africanfeministforum.com
*The origins of the 'Mad woman in the attic' by Jane Eyre: Potrayal of females in Victorian literature    youtube.com
*I gave birth, but mu husband developed post-partum depression       nytimes.com
*Rihana is officially a Billionaire and the richest female musician in the world     entrepreneur.com
*Partners'financial support is holding female academics back      timeshighereducation.com
*Addressing men & masculinities in GAD     https://lnkd.in/gv2Ja6P
*Sub-Saharan women risk exclusion from digital economy    unversityworldnews.com
*Why we don't talk about sexual violence aginst boys - & why we should    washingtonpost.com
*What it's like to be a woman in Yemen: 4 stories of women's strength and heroism    unrefugees.org
*Can you recognise unconscious gender bias in the workplace?    stem4all.eurasia.undp.org
*The women inspiring others in a male dominated industry    https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54876525
*Dr. Jill Biden says women's achievements must be celebrated 'rather than diminished'    https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/jill-biden-women-twitter-wsj-b11773122.html
*Influential women discuss how to fearlessly navigate the business world    entrepreneur.com
*Covid-19 explodes the myth that women 'opt out'    bloomberg.com
*RICOM3 helps Nigerian women take ownership of their pregnancy journey    allafrica.com/stories/202012.../
*From Jackie O to Rihana, the ultimate guide to classic style    wsj.com/articles/from-jackie-o-to-rihana-style/
*Africa's women & girls: Victims in war & peace    nextierspd.com
*Erik Erikson's stages of Psychological Development    https://linkedin/dVakYg5
*Women's leadership for peace    http://ow.ly/dtkY50CSfEq
*Seeking gender justice & peace? Include men    https://womensenews.org/2020/11/seeking-gender-justice-peace.../    https://lnkd.in/eJaRgex
*Why women should stop worrying about being liked    https://www.forbes.com/sites/denise-restaur/2015/12/09/why-women-should-stop-worrying.../
*10 defining moments for women in 2020    unwo.men/Ytc250CTyoM
*Gender budgeting for more equitable education, paid work & political representation    ow.ly/guu450CSGzI
*Most prisons are built for men, while women's specific basic needs are ignored    unwo.men/Wun150CReFS
*The Arewa Me Too Movement endures while fighting GBV    sahelien.com
*Redistribution of power needed to achieve gender equality    bit.ly/2KooqoO
*The CoV is a disaster for feminism    https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2020/03/feminism-womens-rights-cov-covid-19/608302/
*Covid-19 pandemic highlights the limits of white feminism    https://time.com/5923763/white-feminism-pandemic/
*Feminist responses to Covid-19    https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.apaonline.org/resource/collection/.../FeminismCovidSpecialIssueV20n1.pdf
*A Wench's guide to surviving a 'global' pandemic crisis: Feminist publishing in a time of Covid-19    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/810691-020-09435-1
*The risks of being a woman during the pandemic    https://www.thenation.com/article/society/cov-feminism-domestic-violence/
*5 reasons why the CoV needs a feminist response    https://www.oxfam.org/en/5-reasons-why-cov-needs-feminist-response/
*Covid-19 &feminism in the global south: Challenges, initiatives & dilemmas    https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/135050682.../
*Identity, politics & the pandemic: Why is Covid-19 a disaster for feminism?    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40656-020-00346-7
*A feminist perspective to Covid-19 & the value of care work globally    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341221788.../
*Covid-19 is a feminist issue    https://asiafoundation.org/2020/08/19/covid-19.../
*Feminism & the gendered impact of Covid-19: Perspective of a Counselling Psychologist    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7300594/
*Venezuelan women lose access to contraception and control over their bodies     nytimes.com
*Feminism in the Corona-Crisis    https://www.gwi.boell.de/en/feminism-corona-crisis/
*Opinion: Covid-19's war on feminism in the US    https;//www.e-ir.info/2020/12/14/opinion-covid-19-war-on-feminism/
*Feminism in pandemic times    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/pb-assets/146804.../pdf
*Feminist resources in the pandemic    https://centreforthefeministforeignpolicy.org/feminist-resources-on-pandemic/
*Call for a 'Feminist Covid-19 Policy'    feministallianceforrights.org/blog/2020/03/20/action-call-for-feminist-covid-19-policy/
*Gender & Covid-19    www.humanrightscolumbia.org/content/gender-and-covid-19/
*Gender-responsive budgeting & the Covid-19 pandemic    https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/...
*Feminist response to Covid-19    https;//www.feministcovidresponse.com
*Covid-19: Gender & Development Network    https://gadnetwork.org/covid-19
*Covid-19's impact on women in Nigeria shows need to go beyond gender-blind response   https://africanfeminism.com/covid-19-lockdown-impact-lives-nigerian-women/
*The feminist & the post-covid state    https://www.awid.org/news-analysis/feminist-post-covid-19-state/
*Feminist foreign policy & Covid-19    https://www.thinkglobalhealth.org/article/feminism-foreign-policy-covid-19/
*African feminism: Post-Covid-19 economic recovery    https://sophia.smith.edu/meridians/solidarities/african-feminism-post-covid-economic-recovery/
*'Bridgerton's' Queen Charlotte latest to stir black debate    edition.cnn.com/2020/12/30/entertainment/queen-charlotte-bridgerton-black/
*The story behind 'Oloture', Nigeria's Netflix sex-trafficking drama    channelstv.com/2021/01/04/the-story-behind-oloture.../
*The idea that gender is a spectrum is a new gender prism by Rebecca Reilly-Cooper    aeon.co
*Fighting FGM in Sierra-Leone    allafrica.com/view/group/mai.../
*US Congress passes Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act for Pakistani women    tribune.com.pk
*5 ways the pandemic affected gender equity in 2020    nbcnews.com/know-your-value/feature/32-years-progress-vanished-pandemic-affected-ncna1252119/ 
*How women can develop & promote their personal brand    hbr.org    https://t.co/s7QyURb3wzamp=1
*Why empowering female social entrepreneurs is key to economic recovery    https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/why-empowering-female-entrepreneurs-key-economic-recovery/
*Kamala Harris makes history with her 'big blended' family    nytimes.com/2021/01/17/us/kamala-harris-doug-emhof-family-inauguration.html
*The like-ability dilemma for women leaders    t.ted.com/B5xAS9A
*Why women's voices must be at the centre of re-building after Covid-19    https://m-gat.es/2MZybtM
*22 year old female Harvard graduate, Amanda Gorman, is the youngest inaugural poet in the US    https://nyti.ms/9KOxQA
*Why Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton & Michelle Obama wore purple on inauguration day    https://hahoo.com/lifestyle/why-kamala-harris-wore-purple-inauguration-day/
*Unequal burden: How the Covid-19 pandemic is adding to women's workload    wef.com/3iJqy6z  #gender  #covid19
*From rhetoric to reality: Advancing women's participation in peace processes    https://www.cfr.org/blog/rhetoric-reality-women-in-peace-processes/
*Estonia, the only country in the world with a female President & female PM    https://investinestonia.com/estonia-only-country-with-female-president-pm/
*The politics of fashion & beauty in Africa    https://feministafrica.net/feminist-africa-issue-21-2016-the-politics-fashion-africa/
*Feminism, sovereignty & the pan-African project: Lessons for today    africasacountry.com    
*We must raise girls to be brave, not perfect    http://t.ted.com/D9aFPaW
*The pandemic reminds us of how women show up to lead    https://www.smartbrief.com/2021/02/pandemic-reminds-us.../
*Covid-19 lock-downs in West Africa are avenues for undetected FGM: SDG Target 5:3 disrupted    nnngo.org
*Women re-invent themselves during the pandemic via creativity, resilience & determination    entrepreneur.com
*Women's political participation and its predictors in Northern & Southern Nigeria   https://bit.ly/2ZI1XfB
*WPS & the Digital Ecosystem: 5 emerging trends in the technology of gender policy landscape    https://ow.ly/nqIZ5ODpynO
*Biden breaks deadlock: Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (NOI) becomes first woman and African DG of WTO    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-55958682
*Female leadership in PB: What we can learn from women in the field    https;//www.univesiteitleiden.nl/en.../2021/03/female-leadership-pb/
*Women leaving the workforce because of the pandemic is a 'national emergency' - VP Kamala Harris    nyti.ms/2NmVbnO
*Women in Saudi Arabia can now take up arms and join the Military in latest widening of rights    aje.io/d6jl6
*Women make less in the gig economy - Study  thelily.com
*Kamala Harris' husband, Doug Emhoff, breaks gender stereotypes by putting her career ahead of his as Second Gentleman    usatoday.com
*Merriam-Webster dictionary adds 'Second Gentleman' to describe Doug Emhoff's role    cnn.com
*The invisibility of older women    theatlantic.com
*US: 50 prominent men join push for direct payments to moms    cnn.com
*Rich woman, Kim Kiyasoki, recreates 'Rich dad, poor dad'    richdad.com
*Time for a female UN Secretary-General?    hrw.org
*Dr. Njide Okonjo-Udoche, MD, MPH, FAAFP (Sister of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala - DG WTO) named Physician of the year 2021 in the US    https://web.facebook.com/photo/37564277644... 
*Examining the appropriateness of gender inclusion as a humanitarian response mechanism for conflict-related sexual violence against men by Catherine Akurut    https://www.manchesteropenhive.com/.../2/3/article-p35.xml
*Women's leadership results in more bipartisanship, equality, social welfare,peace & security: Women making a mark while transforming politics    http://ow.ly/JdJ05ODPoVpstories.devex.com
*Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a Covid-19 world  #IWD    zw.undp.org
*The power of being single: Why you should own it    thriveglobal.com
*Women in violent zones    nextierspd.com
*The origins of sexism: How men came to rule 12,000 years ago    newscientist.com
*Female empowerment is more than a day, it's a movement    thriveglobal.com
*Men championing women    youtube.com
*Prince Harry opens up: A role mod for emotional availability in men and boys    cnn.com
*Female engagement in governance: Dynamics & new opportunities by Otive Igbuzor    https://web.facebook.com
*Hilary Clinton on Meghan & Harry's interview: Young women 'should no longer be forced into a mould that's no longer relevant, not only for them, but for our society'   cnn.com
*The myth?of monogamy    https;//www.linkedin.com/pulse/myth-monogamy-rachel-alexander.../
*Gender inequality in Higher Education persists    universityworldnews.com
*Nigeria's FG working on Special Court for GBV - AGF    icirnigeria.org
*Re-thinking sexual reproductive rights in Nigeria: Why abortion laws need reform    republic.com.ng
*WTO DG, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her definition of success    cnbcafrica.com
*7 men whose wives are making waves     newsbreakersonline.com
*The obstacles to women's liberation in Africa    youtube.com
*Prostitution & pornography: A historical view    nordicmodelnow.org
*How polyamourists & polygamists are challenging family norms    newyorker.com
*Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, DG WTO, wins WACA International Service Award    newsbreakersonline.com
*Finland's women-led government targeted by online harassment    https://lnkd.in/dNfDXgv
*Samia Hassan sworn in as Tanzania's first female President (18/3/2021)    aljazeera.com
*Nigerian & Ghanaian women working in Brussels' red-light district by Sarah Adeyinka et.al    https://lnkd.in/euDNjaz
*Action Aid's ten principles of feministleadership    actionaid.org
*The Guinness World Record for most children born toone mother goes to Valentia Vassilyev, the wife of Russian peasant, Feodor Vassilyev. She birthed a total of 69 babies in her lifetime - 16pairs of twins, 7 sets of triplets & 4 sets of quadruplets. She died @ 76.     https://web.facebook.com/photo
*Women with senior jobs sleep better in countries with gender equality    newscientist.com
*First time female protests against abuse gather pace globally    https://news.trust.org/tem/20210318.../
*US: It's 2021 and women still make 82 cents for every Dollar earned by a man   nbcnews.com
*Businesses looking to strengthen heir company should invest in women     commercialappeal.com
*Flowers against bullets: Belarusian women are turning everyday objects into protest symbols - and face persecution for it     meduza.io
*Women's recruitment into the security sector byCatherine White     http://ow.ly/CLpQ50E9ia1
*Women not getting the healthcare they need during the pandemic     forbes.com
*Empowered women create a more peaceful world     linkedin.com
*Tanzania's new female President, Samia Hassan, brings new hope towomen in East Africa     usip.org/publications/2021/03/...
*The missing piece: Father's role in stemming youth radicalisation     usip.org
*5 ways to actually help female entrepreneurs    entrepreneur.com
*How VAW & Children is represented in research      issafrica.org
*The hidden cost of promotions for women leaders     sheownsit.com
*How new age spirituality & sensitive masculinity led to QAnon     washingtonpost.com
*Policy Brief Series: WPS & the Generation Equality Action Coalitions     wlpf.org
*Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (NOI) as 'Bi-cultural Mediator' @ the WTO     https://buff.ly/2N3shIG  #WomensMonth
*'Women in Leadership' by Julia Gillard & Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala     https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/women-and-leadership/
*New Zealand offers bereavement leave for those who miscarry or have still birth      https://www.npr.org/2021/03/25/981309826/new-zealand-bereavement-leave-miscarriage-still-birth.../
*Making online events more inclusive by UNITAR      http://ow.ly/TSTL5OEkAZj 
*Covid-19 threatens to slow down women's progression tothe C-Level: What CEOs can do     forbes.com
*Why we mourn girlhood by Mellisa Febos    newyorker.com
*Banks with more women on their Boards commit less fraud     hbr.org
*Gender gaps and inequality  costing  economies of countries as much as 15% of GDP    gatesfoundation.org
*Where does the women workforce stand one year after Covid-19 struck?    entrepreneur.com
*Women score higher than men in most leadership skills    hbr.org
*Why women do the household worrying and how to get men to do more of it    nytimes.com
*Turning point for gender equality    womensagenda.com
*If Bill and Melinda Gates can't make their marriage work, what hope is there for the rest of us?    washingtonpost.com
*4 financial lessons women can learn from the Bill & Melinda Gates divirce announcement    entrepreneur.com
*25 year old woman unexpectedly gave birth to nine babies    entrepreneur.com
*6 women @ the forefront of West Africa's technology boom    vogueco.uk/news/article/women-leadership-leading-west-africa-tech-boom/
*Sexual assault as a weapon of war: History, effect and prevention    medium.com
*The women behind the Oxford/Astra Zeneca Covid-19 vaccine     newscientist.com
*Facebook launches Global Women's Safety Advisory Board    https://www.facebook.com/safety/womenssafety
*Why investing in women is key to attaining the SDGs     unescap.org
*Ms. Katherine Johnson, NASA's human computer who calculated trajectories for Apollo space mission by hand is 100 years old (28th June 2021) linkedin.com
*Accounting giant, PwC, to allow employees period of time off for fertility treatment     consultingpoint.com
  
          
  
             


    

 




 




  


Friday 11 December 2020

WEDGING THE IMPENDING FOOD INSECURITY IN NIGERIA

 On the heels of the massacre of farmers in Zabarmari, the exact number killed is still conjectural because the Nigerian Army puts the figure at 43, insurgents say it is 78, while 110 is it according to some news agencies beyond the shores of Nigeria. See the following relevant links   The Zabarmari massacre of farmers: Should more citizens die in these senseless killings?   nextierspd.com/the-massacre-of-zabarmari-farmers.../   Military debunks claim about killing of 78 farmers in Borno   youtube.com/watch?v=pmbsHE.../   At least 110 farmers dead in Zambarmari, Nigeria, after suspected BH attack    theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/29/nigeria-attack-boko-haram-farm-workers-killed?   Nigeria is the 3rd most terrorised country in he world - Report    allafrica.com/view/group/mai...    

In the light of the above, NextierSPD (Security, Peace & Development) & the Yar'Adua Foundation convened a team of experts and stakeholders to review the impending food insecurity in Nigeria. It was an 'invitation only' discourse.

Some of the participants are:

*Dr. Nduuisi Nwokolo - Partner & CEO NextierSPD

*Dr. Uche Igwe - Visiting Fellow, Firoz Laiji Centre for Africa, London School of Economics (LSE), UK

*Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa - Independent Consultant/Conflict Transformation Expert, Abuja

*Amara Nwakpa - Director, Public Policy Initiative, Yar'Adua Foundation

*Ms. Bertha Ogbimi - CISLAC

*Ms. Ndidi Anyanwu - Senior Policy & Research Analyst, NextierSPD

                                                     Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa @ the parley

The critical areas x-rayed at the meeting and the recommendations in brief were:

*Insecurity - There should be collaboration between the local Vigilante Groups, communities and the Military to provide security for farmers. The modalities for same should be worked out with each community. One size does not necessarily fit all.

*Climate Change - Trans-border water management that could prevent excessive flooding in Nigeria (on a yearly basis), which in turn negatively affects crop yield should be interrogated. There should be mechanisms put in place to prevent the Lagdo Dam from flooding Adamawa, Benue, Kogi, Anambra states, etc. yearly. The drying of Lake Chad should be halted. In this regard, the effort of the Lake Chad Basin Governors' Forum (LCBGF) should be taken cognisance of to prevent re-invention of the wheel. It is necessary to employ relevant technology, including the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) for improvement in the agricultural sector. The NLTP needs to be constantly revisited/revised to stem the tide of trust deficit bedeviling it.

                                Photo L-R: Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa & Dr. Ndubuisi Nwokolo

*Policy Environment - Policy somersault is the bane of many otherwise successful initiatives/projects in the agricultural and related sectors. Garnering adequate and accurate data should be priority for successful planning. The language of CBN policies in the agricultural sector should be 'democratised', so that the regular small scale farmer at whom they are targeted understand the contents. There should be intensive advocacy in this regard.

*Inflation - Drivers of inflation should be continually deciphered/identified in all spheres. Some of the areas to look at are: the closure of borders, inadequate storage/preservation facilities/techniques for prolonging the life of perishable farm produce.

*Review of the Land Use Act of 1978 to accommodate contemporary concerns. The NLTP needs to be constantly interrogated to eliminate the trust deficit as regards its implementation...

The discourse continues...

                                                                   Group photograph

                                                                            Dayo
                                                                               Dayo


Related Links

*Maize will be scarce in 2021, Nigerian farmers raise alarm    allafrica.com/stories/202012.../
*Food inflation may be Nigeria's biggest hit from Covid-19     theafricareport.com
*Food & the struggle for Africa's sovereignty     africasacountry.com



  
 
   

Thursday 3 December 2020

STRATEGIES FOR INCLUSIVE MEDIATION IN PEACE PROCESSES: MOVING FROM TRACK 3 TO TRACK 1

This Blog post addresses the content of the paper I presented at the Webinar to commemorate the first anniversary of the Nigeria Women Mediators Network (NWMN) titled: 'Strategies for inclusive Mediation in peace processes: Moving from Track 3 to Track 1'. NWMN celebrated the anniversary for two days (2nd - 3rd December, 2020). The Webinar was on the first day, while the launch of the SHE MEDIATES Campaign was on the second day. I congratulate NWMN for this feat.

                  Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa @ the launch of the SHE MEDIATES Campaign

Some of those present at the Webinar are:

*Dame Pauline Tallen (Represented by Jumai Idonije) - Minister of Women Affairs

*Ms. Comfort Lamptey - UN Women Nigeria Country Representative

*Carl Michael Grans - Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria

*Jens-Petter Kjemprud - Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria

*Prof. Gabor Ternek - Hungarian Ambassador to Nigeria

*Prof. Iyom Joy Onyesoh - 1st Coordinator, NWMN

*Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa - Independent Consultant/Conflict Transformation Expert & Speaker

*Dr. Eleanor Nwadinobi - Speaker

*Hajiya Lantana Abdullahi - 2nd/Current Coordinator, NWMN

*Lady Nkiru Celine Okoro - Lead, Communication Team, NWMN

*Barr. Rosemary Chikwendu - Lawyer/Coordinator, ICMC, Abuja

*Adeolu Adewunmi - Speaker

                                    Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa immediately after the Webinar

I wore many hats at the Webinar as:

- A Conflict Transformation & Gender Expert for over 35 years.

- A Chartered Mediator/Conciliator for more than 20 years.

- A Peace-Building practitioner for approximately 35 years.

- A women's rights activist for many decades.

- An Academic/Political Scientist for over 40 years.

Photo L-R: Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa & Prof. Iyom Joy Onyesoh (1st Coordinator, NWMN)

In my presentation, I made it abundantly clear at the outset that the inclusive participation of women Mediators in peace processes (PPs) is hinged on mainstreaming women into conflict prevention, management and resolution (CPM&R). The Covid-19 pandemic has further depleted the inadequate stock of women mediators. There are at least 9 equity principles in gender mainstreaming (GM) that could facilitate mainstreaming women into peace processes. These are:

1) Accountability  2) Networking  3) Cultural Values  4) Gender Equity Goal & Framework  5) Gender Focal Persons  6) Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) of Plan  7) Major Activities Required - Gender Situation Analysis (GSA), Consultative Meetings and Expert Working Group Review (EWGR)  8) Curriculum Review at the primary, Secondary and Tertiary levels  9) Project Outcome.

In conclusion, I said that GM enhances participatory management of peace processes. The support of male champions should be sought at every turn. The Presidency, Governors, Local Government Chairmen, Government Officials, Politicians, etc should be incorporated into the afore-mentioned activities in order to facilitate the much desired transition from Track 3 to Track 1, where the required action can be taken to prevent and/or mitigate conflict...

                                                      Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa @ the event

Related Links

*How to mediate with difficult people    https://www.cedr.com/how-to-mediate-with-difficult-people
*How to fine-tune your attention to achieve harmony. Tips for Mediators    https://bit.ly/36SPnsk   #payattention  #listen  #listenup  #focus  #mindful
*Book: Understanding resistance to inclusive peace processes by Esra Cuhadar    https://www.usip.org/publications/2020/03/understanding-resistance-inclusive-mediation/
*Mediation & Special Education    https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mediation-special-education-fred-jandt/
*Entrepreneurship to kick-start your Mediation practice    https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/entrepreneurship.../
*How great Coaches and Mediators ask, listen & empathise    https://hbr.org/2015/02/how-great-coaches-mediators-ask-listen-empathise/
*The 2020 elections in the US: Mediation & the political divide by Ken Cloke    https://www.mediate.com/articles/cloke-2020-elections.cfm
*Mediation, neutrality & conflicts in the 2020 elections in the US    https://mediatorsbeyondborders.org/mediation-netrality-political-conflicts-2020-elections/
*How to cultivate a collaborative mindset     psychologytoday.com
*Tools a Mediator can use to diagnose & overcome impasse    https://lnkd.in/euQ87pp
*The Pros & Cons of Virtual Mediation by Wendy Kramer    https://www.adservices.com/the-pros-cons-virtual-mediation/
*Mediating high conflict disputes by Bill Eddy    https://www.amazon>mediating-high-conflict-disputes/
*Effective listening skills    https://bit.ly/3wGKwUN
*Elements of good judgement     hbr.org
*Strategic vs Facilitative & Transformative Mediation: A critical analysis     paulkirkwoodmediator.co.uk
*Mandatory Mediation: A new wave of ADR      cedr.com
*How empathy helped generate a $2trn company    forbes.com
*How to train a Mediator      https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-to-train-mediator/
*Demarcating the Armenia-Azerbaijan border through Mediation,not violence     evnreport.com
*Howto manage final offers in Mediation    cedr.com
*Visualising the dynamics of combat & Negotiations in Donbas     crisisgroup.org
*Wills & Probate disputes: Ripe for Mediation?      asmadr.co.uk
*The 25th anniversary edition of EI by Daniel Goleman    https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/announcing-25th-anniversary-edition-emotional-intelligence/
*Party self-determination in Mediation: A core concept or does the Emperor have no clothes?    https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/party-self-determination.../
*'Glocalisation' of Arbitration    https://commercialarbitration    europe.wordpress.com/2020/12/17/glocalisation-of-arbitration/
*What Mediators can do to strengthen democracy by Ken Cloke    https://m.dailygood.org/story/2665/what-mediators-can-do-strengthen-democracy/
*10 best books about Mediation by Tammy Lenski    https://lnkd.in/eg-ZrmK
*The vanishing Jury Trial & other important lessons for Mediators    ow.ly/Mmav50D9EnU    edwardsmediationacademy.com
*Workplace Mediation: 7 tips for better outcomes    https://www.cedr.com/workplace-mediation-7-tips-better-outcomes/
*Data protection & Mediation by Richard Kaye    https://www.promediate.co.uk/data-protection-mediation/
*Implicit Bias: How it affects us, & how we push through - Melanie Funchess/TEDxFlourCity    youtube.com
*Why ego management is key to effective Mediation    ow.ly/eEaC50D5kxy
*The power of listening in helping people change    https://hbr.org/2018/05/the-power-of-listening-for-change/
*Gas-lighting warps our view of reality. How to spot it & fight back    newscientist.com/article/mg2493319/
*The science of reasoning with unreasonable people    nytimes.com
*Using empathy & curiosity to overcome differences   hbr.org
*Collaboration: ADR Dispute Resolution Section Mediation 1-12-2021    https://youtu.be/VhJqGV4vMJQ
*Can Mediation transform the experience of illness?    https://www.thersa.org/comment/2021/02/can-mediation-transform-illness/    
*The cognitive & perceptual correlates of ideological attitudes: A data-driven expose    royalsocietypublishing.org
*Line in the sand: Setting boundaries can prevent unnecessary conflict    cinergycoaching.com
*Dear Negotiation Coach: Breaking bad news in Negotiation    pon.harvard.edu
*The Mediator's Toolkit by Gery O'Sullivan    https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/gerryosullivan&highlighted.../
*What is Mediation Advocacy? by Hohn H. Sugiyama    cdn.ymaws.com
*Could new Mediators resolve the GERD dispute between Sudan & Egypt?   issafrica.org
*Confirmation Bias: Centre for action & contemplation    cac.org
*3 ways to build empathy for others in your life     verywellmind.com/how-to-develop=empathy-in-relationships-1717547
*On experts, neutrality & protests as powerful tools by Alonzo Emery     Published in the January 2021 edition of Dispute Resolution Magazine
*Launching a new Mediation business     https://bit.ly/3cdLEsn
*Preparing for Mediation & Negotiation    lclawyers.com.au
*Thoughts on Parallel Track Arbitration - Mediation    https://lnkd.in/gPEAc5k
*Advantages & disadvantages of being a Mediation Attorney    adrtimes.com
*Debunking Negotiation myths    pon.harvard.edu
*Fairness in Negotiation     pon.harvard.edu
*Ethics in Negotiation    pon.harverd.edu
*Emotion & the art of business negotiations   pon.harvard.edu
*The hidden benefits of mistrust in Ngotiation    pon.harvard.edu
*Self-analysis & Negotiation    pon.harvard.edu
*Can Negotiation theory help us understand our religious identity?    pon.harvard.edu
*Mediation beats adversarial @ resolving workplace disputes    irishexaminer.com
*The role and need for implicit bias training   lawpracticetoday.org
*10 top cognitive biases and distortions in Mediation    mediate.com
*5 most common misconceptions about about criminal trial     ranetamack.medium.com
*There's no such thing as a 'failed Mediation'    schneppmediation.com
*The importance of empathy & effective listening in Mediation & Arbitration    jdsupra.com
*The complex effects of counter-terrorism on Mediation efforts    theglobalobservatory.com
*Why we suddenly fall out with people    https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisaweinstein
*Ethics & Negotiation    americanbar.org
*FBI Negotiation tactics you can use to get what you need    entrepreneur.com
*How to negotiate remotely    https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-negotiate-over-email
*'Healthy Empathy': How 'empaths' can sorely lack empathy because of their own trauma   lissarankin.com
*How to navigate the role of 'Accidental Mediator'    wearethecity.com
 
     

    



 
     
 



 


 

 

 

Tuesday 1 December 2020

LEGISLATIVE INVESTIGATIVE POWERS: EXPECTATIONS, CHALLENGES & WAY FORWARD

The title of this Blog post is the subject matter of the conference I attended at Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotels & Towers, Abuja on the 30th of November, 2020. The event was convened by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in collaboration with HallowMace Communications. It was indeed a partnership between an arm of government, the legislature, and the citizens for whom they 'formulate' laws.

                                 Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa on the red carpet @ the event

'We do not sing our own song, others sing for us' - Senator Sanni Abdullahi, Deputy Chief Whip & Representative of the Senate President at the event. The quote alludes to the fact that both the Upper and Lower Chambers of the Legislature do not have the opportunity to address the citizens directly, it is the media, the Fourth Estate of the Realm, that reports the goings-on in the National Assembly to the people. Sanni said in order to adequately disseminate information to the public, journalists should cross check facts. He said in addition to the investigative powers of the Senate, it also appropriates, legislates and oversights. Because resources are scarce, funds should be utilised expeditiously!

Some of the participants at the parley were:

*Senator Ahmed Lawan (Represented by Senator Sanni Abdullahi) - SenatePresident
*Dr. Garba Abari - DG National Orintation Agency (NOA)
*Sunny Anderson Osiebe - CEO HallowMace Communications Ltd.
*Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN - Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC)
*Senator (Eng.) Adeleke Adeyemi Oriolowo - Chairman, Senate Committe on Legislative Compliance
*Hon Alhassan Ado Doguwa - Leader House of Representatives
*Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa - Independent Consultant/Conflict Transformation Expert, Abuja
*Clement Nwankwo - Executive Director, Policy & Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC)
*Idayat Hasan (Represented by Austin Aigbe) - Director, Centre for Democracy & Dvelopment (CDD)
*Hon. Mulikat Adeola-Akande - Former Leader, House of Representatives
*Dr. Sam Amadi - Director, Centre for Public Policy & Research
*Oche precious Edeh - Executive Director, YES Project Initiative

Photo L-R: Hon. Mulikat Adeola-Akande (Former Majority Leader, House of Representatives) & Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa

Senator Adeyemi Oriolowo, Chairman Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance was worried about trust deficit between the arms of government and the citizenry. For him, the Senate is about equality and equity, while the House of Representatives is more about representation. He cautioned that there could be 'tyranny of the majority'. Compliance to legislative nuances and procedure should be on the front burner. Compliance & Ethics Units should be established in all MDAs.

For Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, there are pitfalls of legislative investigation as stipulated in Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution. How do you compel Ministers, DGs and CEOs of MDAs to comply with NASS summons? There should be consequences for not appearing before Committees as and when due. Section 4(2)(3) of the Constitution elaborates on the function of the legislature enact laws that engender good governance.

On the whole, a number of recommendations were made:

*The NASS should have subject matter experts to aid Committee work and ensure that laws are enacted from an informed position.

*Once legislators are voted into the NASS, they should automatically become nationalists who serve their fatherland and not only their constituencies.

*Laws should be enacted to check 'executive rascality', so that when members of the executive are summoned by the Senate or House of Representatives, they comply. 

*Investigation is fact-checking and should be carried out with a high sense of responsibility, integrity and transparency.

*Legislatures should always communicate the heart of the people.

*'Constituency projects' are not necessarily in the purview of the NASS, it is more an executive function.

*Women, young persons and other marginalised groups should be included in laws.

*MDAs that do not submit their annual audited accounts should be recommended for sanction. 'No audited report, no new budget allocation' should be the new mantra.

*Performance evaluation for MDAs is vital.

*Eventual restructuring of Nigeria would solve many lingering problems.

*The high turn-over rate at the NASS calls for worry. It erases institutional memory.

*Thorough investigative hearings by the NASS keeps government on its toes.

The discussion continues in less formal settings...

*