It is no longer that rare as it was before but the problem is still there. That is, the paucity of NGOs from the global South with qualitative insight being at the table where discourses which shape the policy agenda or implementation of such agenda clash or fuse into a more balanced, productive conversation. It is, therefore, delightful beholding this cross section of panelists at the just concluded Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, (CISLAC) side event during the UN Commission on the Status of Women 63 (CSW 63). There is a diplomat, an academic as well as a peace practitioner from a conflict management NGO but, in this picture, they are all united by a global South binocular. That is good and of symbolic importance for global inclusiveness, peace and justice. CISLAC is, of course, a Nigerian NGO.
(L-R) are Mr. Alwan Habu Abdussalam, representative of the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations as well as Senior Counselor/Focal Point for Nigeria on Counter Terrorism to the United Nations; Mr. Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), the Executive Director of CISLAC; Ms. Tazreen Hussain, Gender Advisor at Centre for Civilians in Conflict, Washington DC and Prof. Mojúbàolú Olufúnké Okome, Leonard & Claire Tow Professor of Political Science, African & Women Studies , Brooklyn College in New York.
