The Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination's Project on Gender in the Global Community will co-sponsor a panel discussion, "Boko Haram and Cycles of Violence: Strengthening Prevention Using the Women Peace and Security Agenda," on Thursday, October 30, 2014, at 4:00 p.m. at the United Nations in New York (GA Building, Conference Room 6). Panelists will include Ambassador U. Joy Ogwu, Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations; Joy Onyesoh, President, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, Nigeria; Sylvie Jacqueline Ndongmo, President, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, Cameroon; and Liesl Gerntholtz, Director Women's Rights Division, Human Rights Watch. The session will be moderated by Ambassador Christian Wenaweser, Permanent Representative of Liechtenstein to the United Nations. To attend the panel, RSVP to the Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein to the UN by October 27 (Note: special event passes are required for non-UN badge holders; please indicate in RSVP).

It has been more than six months since 276 girls were captured by Boko Haram in Chibok, Nigeria. Most of them are still missing today. Women and girls face increased risk of human rights abuses, such as abductions, sexual and gender based violence and discrimination, as well as restricted access to resources, education, and decision-making processes. In this event, women from Nigeria and Cameroon will share their work and experiences about the root causes of conflict and abductions. Prevention strategies will be discussed including strengthening the social and economic rights of women, enhancing opportunities for political participation, as well as investing in gender equitable institutions, and reducing militarism and arms.

This lecture is part of a series of lectures and panels on the UN's Women, Peace, and Security Agenda, organized by LISD's Project on Gender in the Global Community, the Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein to the United Nations, and the PeaceWomen Project of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF).