Ehis Agbon, Kaduna, Nigeria, 26 May 2025.
Kabilun Africa Think Tank (KATT), in partnership with Empowering Women for Excellence Initiative (EWEI), has officially launched Women in International Security Nigeria (WIIS Nigeria), a new international affiliate of the U.S.-based Women in International Security Global (WIIS Global). The affiliate was formally established in April 2025 and aims to elevate women’s roles in international peace and security across Nigeria and the African continent.
WIIS Nigeria will operate under the leadership of Safiya Ibn Garba DTRF, who also serves as KATT Convenor and Founder of EWEI. The new chapter is poised to serve as a platform for collaborative, gender-focused initiatives addressing global peace and security challenges from a uniquely African perspective.
“We are very pleased to have established this international affiliate of WIIS,” said Ibn Garba. “Being able to bring our diverse perspectives together for impactful work as it relates to gender, peace, and security marks a significant milestone in supporting progressive policies on the continent and beyond.”
WIIS Global welcomed the new affiliate warmly, stating, “We are delighted to officially welcome WIIS Nigeria to our global network. Based within KATT and EWEI, and guided by the exceptional leadership of Safiya Ibn Garba, WIIS Nigeria is already making meaningful contributions to our shared mission.”
WIIS Global, which has been promoting gender inclusion in peace and security for over 35 years, offers professional development opportunities, research initiatives, and policy advocacy across nearly 50 countries. Its global network now includes 15,000 members across six continents, all dedicated to closing the gender gap in the international security sector.
KATT, launched in 2022, is a thought leadership hub committed to reducing Africa’s reliance on external systems by empowering local thinkers and change-makers. Its mission aligns with both the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, emphasizing local solutions to complex governance and development challenges.
EWEI, established in 2008, has reached over 4.5 million girls, women, and community members through its empowerment programs focusing on capacity building, advocacy, and community development.
The integration of WIIS Nigeria into KATT’s and EWEI’s programming promises a robust platform for nurturing African women leaders and shaping more inclusive peace and security policies.
For media inquiries, contact:
Uche Brown Egbe, Communications Manager, EWEI
📧 contact@eweing.org | kabilunafricathinktank@eweing.org
🌐 www.kabilunafricathinktank.net
🌐 www.wiisglobal.org
