Abstract

This study examines the pivotal roles of women in community-based security initiatives in Nigeria, emphasising their substantial contributions to the establishment of peace, resolution of conflicts, and promotion of community unity in regions afflicted by violence. The paper highlights the crucial contributions of women in establishing trust and solidarity in community-based security and showcases the impact of women's leadership in promoting peace and dialogue among diverse communities through case studies of organisations such as the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), the Women’s Interfaith Council (WIC), the Market Women’s Association in Jos, and the Women Peace and Security Network (WPSN). These women-led initiatives have not only addressed critical security concerns but have also provided informal education and training on conflict resolution, strengthened the human resource base of grassroots security mechanisms, and empowered a gender-inclusive workforce at the community level. The findings demonstrate that with institutional support, such initiatives can serve as effective models for advancing social cohesion, gender equity, and sustainable security practices.