By Muhammad Umar Faruk
Borno Women Development Initiative has called for the establishment of a fully equipped National Mine Action Centre, adding that it pivotal component across humanitarian, stabilisation, and development.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that BOWDI is a women-led Non-Governmental Organisation which specialises in protection of women around conflict affected areas, promoting peace & security, enhancing food security & nutrition.
BOWDI works towards improving the livelihood and education of vulnerable women, girls and children, as well as advocating for climate action.
The organisation made this call on 2024 International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, the theme ‘Protecting Lives, Building Peace.’
On 8th December, 2005, the United Nations General Assembly declared that April 4 of each year shall be observed as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.
According to BOWDI, NMAC will serve to coordinate collaboration among diverse stakeholders engaged in mine action, fostering the development of strategic plans and prioritising areas for mine clearance, Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), Victim Assistance, and other critical mine action endeavours.
In a press briefing with journalists, Executive Director of Borno Women Development Initiative, Mr Umar Grema, urged relevant stakeholders and partners to establish women and girls safe spaces, as it has over the years proven to be a key approach for the protection and empowerment of women and adolescent girls affected by the crisis.
Grema called for continued efforts by states, with the assistance of the United Nations and relevant organisations, to foster the establishment and development of national mine-action capacities in countries where mines and explosive remnants of war constitute a serious threat to the safety, health and lives of the civilian population, or an impediment to social and economic development at the national and local levels.
He also emphasised the need that deliberate actions towards positive contributions from media organisations is key in promoting peace and avoiding conflict, likewise changing a better narrative of our societal values.
BOWDI Executive Director called upon leaders and community members to unite in taking proactive measures to safeguard provide collective safety for women girls and children.
