The Department of State Services (DSS) has unveiled its gender mainstreaming policy outlining a homegrown comprehensive framework for the integration of gender perspectives and inclusiveness in the agency’s policies, programmes and procedures.
Spokesman of the service, Dr Peter Afunanya, who made the disclosure noted that the policy is a key component of the Service’s commitment to promoting gender equality in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the National Gender Policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
According to him, the policy was launched at an epoch-making ceremony witnessed by the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, the Director General of the DSS, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi, represented by the Director of Administration, Mr Kabiru Sani fsi mni and other members of Management and Staff.
Speaking at the event, the Director General noted that the policy was aimed at promoting gender equality and creating a work environment free of discrimination and bias.
He said: “we recognise that gender mainstreaming is essential to achieving this goal and we are proud to launch this policy as a demonstration of our commitment to this cause.”
He enjoined all and sundry to embrace the new policy and ensure its full implementation at every level of decision making. The Minister commended the Service and particularly the DGSS for the iniative and called on other agencies to emulate the Service.
The DSS is reportedly one of the leading security agencies in Nigeria promoting gender friendly policies.