By: Mohamed Sahr mohamedsahrpro@gmail.com
In a bid to institutionalize maritime law enforcement within the maritime zones D, E and F of the Yaoundé Architecture, United Nations on Drugs and Crime in collaboration with Kofi Anna International Peacekeeping Training Centre and Danish Government has sought to bridge the gender gaps in the maritime enforcement during an inaugural on Women Peace and Security on Monday at the Anna International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra, Ghana.
Jane Kimani Kinyanzui, Associate Programme Officer of United Nations on Drugs Crime said the maiden training pushes towards boosting maritime law enforcement personnel in the maritime zones of D, E and F, as well as raising awareness of the solutions to bridging the gender gaps in maritime enforcement and the various ways men and women are affected by maritime criminality.
Kinyanzui added that the aim of the training is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the concept of gender, maritime security and the Women Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, with key focus on their application in governance policies in the maritime sector especially in West Africa.
She said the training which is done within the framework of the Denmark Maritime Security Programme, seeks to give highlight on the critical component under the programme as it relates to the implementation of UNSCR 1325/Women Peace and Security in relation to maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea. ‘’It is our desire to further deepen our collaboration with KAIPTC to provide more trainings for maritime law enforcement personnel at decision-making level from the pilot countries mentioned above to further enhance the implementation of Women Peace and Security,’’ madam Kinyanzui stated.
She thanked the Government of Denmark and KAIPTC for their supportive efforts to building a bridge between stakeholders and partners to further push forwards in terms of creating synergy, and to improve maritime security.
His Excellency Tom Norring, Danish Ambassador to Ghana said the workshop underscores the significant role of women in maintaining peace and security particularly in the maritime domains.
Ambassador Norring affirmed that even though the period is characterized by global challenges necessitating comprehensive solutions, but the pivotal role of women becomes evident. ‘’Their resilience, intellect, and courage make a substantial contribution to the maintenance of peace and security, with particular significance in the maritime domain,’’ H.E Norring mentioned.
He said women who engage in seafaring and community leaders serve as catalysts in fortifying the foundations of maritime security and improving the resilience of coastal communities; adding that their inclusion is more than than an issue of equality in enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of their maritime endeavours.
Ambassador Norring furthered that the Danish government is at the forefront in championing the promotion of the Gender otherwise Women, Peace and Security stride within the maritime sector.
He stated that the involvement of women extends beyond just representation, but harnessing the full range of talent and expertise to create a safer and prosperous maritime space and future.
