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Article Title:
Engendering Security Sector Reforms in Africa: A Policy Appraisal and Institutional Capacity Study of the Nigeria Police Force
by Kehinde Olayode Olusola

Abstract:
The recognition of differing experiences and impact of conflicts, violence and insecurities on women and men, boys and girls motivated the adoption of the landmark UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts (Alaga, 2011:3; Hendricks, 2011:8). The adoption has witnessed increased efforts at global, regional and national levels to systematically integrate gender perspectives into Security Sector Reforms (SSR) and many African countries have incorporated gender concerns into their security regimens. The study undertakes an institutional capacity assessment and gender audit of the Nigeria police, using the framework of Police Gender Policy of 2010. From the current situational analysis of the Nigeria Police Force, the study explores the following questions: are gender issues properly understood and the need for mainstreaming appreciated within the rank and file of the Police Force; are the current administrative structures and operational procedures in the police force properly engendered; and what are the structural and operational constraints for effective implementation of gender mainstreaming in the force? Qualitative data collected from field surveys were analyzed descriptively. This paper is significant in that it envisages social, cultural and ideological transformation in gender relations within the Police Service as well as in the larger Nigerian society, through gender sensitive regulations and orders, and improved technical skills in gender mainstreaming and in the handling of gender-based violence.

Keywords: security sector, police reforms, gender, institutional capacity

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