Gender mainstreaming and youth consideration in rural security: Panacea for achieving the objectives of community policing in Nigeria

The paper discussed issues on gender gap and the challenges faced by youth in securing the rural areas. It highlights the efforts of women leaders in global peace building and security initiatives. Sequel to the appointments of women in ministerial capacities and elective positions in Nigeria, they have contributed immensely to community peace and security. It asserted that equal representation leads to more participatory and representative political decisions. This in turn results in a more harmonious society and provides a strong foundation for the development of peace and security. The paper posited that even though women are increasingly taking leadership positions in business and politics, progress has been slow for their inclusion in decision making in security related issues. Little or no attention has been paid to issues regarding women and young people in the area of active or effective participation in national and rural security agenda. The paper concluded that for a successful gender inclusion in rural security initiative, government should collaborate with organized security institutions to provide professional training for potential recruits. This could also entail tackling and eliminating gender stereotypes that often underpin the culture of violence and inequality. It is recommended among others that States should endeavor to establish a community security expert agency to create a clear cut mode of operation, areas of jurisdiction and specific responsibilities for rural community security personnel; involve more women and youths in peace and security efforts.