- Key Point: Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan advocates for women’s leadership in global security.
- Main Argument: Excluding women from decision-making poses a security risk.
- Global Stage: She joined world leaders at the Munich Security Conference.
- African Perspective: Highlighting challenges faced by women in Nigerian politics.
- Call to Action: Concrete actions needed to ensure women’s equal opportunities in peace and security.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Bold Stance at Munich Security Conference
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, didn’t mince words at the 2025 Munich Security Conference (MSC). She stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani, former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, and EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, advocating for gender equity in global security. This power panel tackled the rising challenges women face in leadership and peacebuilding.
Why Women in Security? It’s Not Just a ‘Nice-to-Have’
Akpoti-Uduaghan warned that the growing resistance against women’s participation in leadership isn’t just a social issue—it’s a direct threat to global stability. According to a UN Women report, women’s inclusion in peace processes leads to more durable and sustainable peace agreements.
“The exclusion of women from decision-making isn’t just unfair—it’s a security risk,” she asserted. “To build lasting peace, women must not only be at the table but also leading the discussions that shape our future.”
The Real Challenges: Discrimination and Political Violence
The panel dug deep into the rising tide of gender-based discrimination, political violence against women, and the critical role women play in conflict resolution. Akpoti-Uduaghan brought a crucial African perspective, shedding light on the intimidation and systemic exclusion that women in Nigerian politics often endure. Did you know that according to IPU, Nigeria ranks low in terms of women’s representation in parliament compared to other African countries?
Breaking Barriers: A Call for Concrete Action
In her address, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized the importance of dismantling the systemic barriers that prevent women from taking leadership roles. She stated, “The backlash against gender inclusivity in politics and security is not just a setback for women; it is a setback for global development.” She challenged the world to move beyond empty promises and take real action to ensure women have equal opportunities to lead and influence policies.
She also stressed the need for stronger policies to protect women from political violence and discrimination. She noted that Africa, like many other regions, is witnessing a concerning regression in gender equity. Women in politics often face intimidation and systemic exclusion, hindering their ability to contribute effectively.
Global Perspectives: Echoes from Kosovo, Finland, and the EU
The discussion, expertly moderated by a senior policy expert from the MSC, fostered a lively exchange of ideas on how to counteract the gender backlash and promote sustainable policies. President Vjosa Osmani of Kosovo shared her experiences from the Balkans, while former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin highlighted the Nordic model of gender inclusivity. EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to strengthening women’s roles in crisis preparedness and security frameworks.
Akpoti-Uduaghan: A Rising Voice for Global Change
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s participation at MSC 2025 underscores her growing influence as a champion for women’s rights, governance reforms, and inclusive security policies. Her advocacy aligns with global efforts to push back against gender regression and ensure women remain at the forefront of decision-making in peace and security matters. Her presence solidifies her role as a leading voice for not just Nigeria, but the world.
The Road Ahead: A Collective Effort
As the MSC concluded, the consensus among panellists and global delegates was clear: reversing gender regression requires urgent action, policy reforms, and international cooperation. It’s time for the world to unite in empowering women to shape the future of global peace and security.