Women for Women International Nigeria at 25: Salah highlights power of women in building peace

At the 25th anniversary celebration of Women for Women International Nigeria in Lagos, former UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Rima Salah, delivered a message that placed women at the centre of one of the world’s most important conversations: the pursuit of lasting peace.

Speaking at The Oak, Woodhall Capital, Ikoyi, Lagos, during the anniversary event themed: “25 Years of Undeniable Impact: Strengthening Women, Shaping Communities in Nigeria,” Salah reflected on the connection between women’s empowerment, conflict recovery and global peacebuilding efforts.

Her message was rooted in a simple but powerful truth: communities cannot achieve sustainable peace when women, who often carry the greatest burden during times of crisis, are excluded from the decisions that shape their future.

Having previously served as UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Salah brought decades of experience working on issues affecting women and children across the continent. 

Her remarks connected the work of Women for Women International Nigeria with a much wider global movement focused on recognising women as essential actors in peace and security.

She spoke about the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, established through United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 in 2000, which formally recognised the need for women’s participation in peace processes and decision-making.

For Salah, the importance of that agenda is not only found in international policies or institutions. It is reflected in the experiences of women on the ground — women who rebuild homes, support families and restore communities after conflict.

She pointed to the work of Women for Women International Nigeria as an example of what happens when women are given the tools and confidence to lead change within their own communities.

Across Nigeria, many women have experienced the devastating effects of insecurity, displacement and poverty. Yet, as Salah emphasised, they are not defined only by what they have suffered. They are also defined by their ability to recover, organise and create solutions.

The anniversary celebration itself provided evidence of this transformation. Women who had once faced uncertainty shared stories of gaining skills, building businesses, supporting their families and becoming voices for change in their communities.

Salah described these women as proof that peace is not created only in government offices, international conferences or diplomatic negotiations. It is also built at the community level, through the daily actions of people working to restore trust, dignity and opportunity.

She also recognised the importance of men as partners in advancing women’s rights, noting that building a more peaceful society requires collective responsibility.

Her remarks carried a message that extended beyond the anniversary celebration: empowering women is not only a matter of fairness; it is a foundation for stronger and more stable societies.

The challenges facing women remain significant. Conflict, gender-based violence, poverty and limited access to opportunities continue to affect millions. But Salah stressed that progress is possible when women are supported and their voices are recognised.

The success of programmes like Women for Women International Nigeria demonstrates that grassroots efforts can contribute to global change. 

A woman who gains confidence, skills, and economic independence can influence her family, her community and future generations.