Navigating restrictions: External funding and WPS implementation

Abstract

The Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda promotes women's agency, gender equality, and women and civil society's role within national and international processes to achieve peace and security outcomes. The adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2242 further extends women and civil society organisations' role within peace and security activities to include activities to counter-terrorism and counter-violent extremism (CT/CVE). However, historical tensions and ongoing state restrictions have closed CT/CVE engagement opportunities for civil society. Applying Pfeffer and Salancik's (1978) resource dependency theory, I argue that access to international funds has enabled CSOs to survive despite the closing civic space in Nigeria and create WPS opportunities. Access to external resources and the ability of these actors to implement measures aligned with local women needs, as opposed to the requirements of donors has enabled these actors to achieve some WPS outcomes in Nigeria.