Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has advocated for gender equity in global security at the 2025 Munich Security Conference (MSC), joining an influential panel of world leaders to tackle the rising challenges women face in leadership and peacebuilding.
Speaking alongside Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani, former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, and EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed the need for inclusive governance and gender-sensitive security policies.
This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by her media office. She warned that the growing backlash against women’s participation in leadership threatens global stability.
“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 panel explored rising gender-based discrimination, political violence against women, and the role of women in conflict resolution. Akpoti-Uduaghan brought an African perspective, highlighting the challenges women in Nigerian politics face, from intimidation to systemic exclusion.
In her address, she underscored the importance of breaking systemic barriers that hinder women’s participation in leadership, stating:
“The backlash against gender inclusivity in politics and security is not just a setback for women; it is a setback for global development. The world must move beyond rhetoric and take concrete actions to ensure that women are not just included in peace and security discussions but are given equal opportunities to lead and influence policies.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan also stressed the importance of strengthening policies that protect women from political violence and discrimination. She pointed out that Africa, like many parts of the world, is witnessing a worrying trend of regression in gender equity, with women in politics often facing intimidation and systemic exclusion.
The discussion, moderated by a senior policy expert from the MSC, saw a dynamic exchange of ideas on strategies to counteract the gender backlash and promote sustainable policies that reinforce women’s roles in peacekeeping and governance.
President Vjosa Osmani of Kosovo echoed similar concerns, sharing experiences from the Balkans, while former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin highlighted the Nordic model of gender inclusivity as a global standard. EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib emphasized the European Union’s commitment to strengthening women’s roles in crisis preparedness and security frameworks.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s participation at MSC 2025 reinforces her growing influence on the international stage as a champion for women’s rights, governance reforms, and security policies that are inclusive and equitable.
Her advocacy aligned with global efforts to push back against gender regression and ensure that women remain at the forefront of decision-making in peace and security matters.
Other panellists shared their experiences in advancing gender equity. President Osmani reflected on the Balkans’ struggles, Sanna Marin pointed to the Nordic model as a blueprint for success, and Commissioner Lahbib reinforced the EU’s commitment to integrating women into security strategies.
The discussion ended with a resounding global consensus: reversing gender regression requires urgent action, policy reforms, and international cooperation.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s presence at the MSC solidified her role as a leading voice for gender equity, governance reform, and inclusive security policies—not just for Nigeria, but for the world.
As the MSC concluded, the consensus among panellists and global delegates was clear: a collective and sustained effort is needed to counteract gender backlash and empower women to shape the future of global peace and security.
