More than 50% of women and children are victims in violent conflict in various communities in Nigeria. The Women and Girl-Child Rescue and Development Initiative in Jos Plateau State, Nigeria, funded by Women for Women International under the conflict security and stability fund, held a forum on the 4th of April 2023, to discuss issues around ‘women peace and security’ in Plateau State, Nigeria.

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Over seventy women from the communities of Dadin Kowa, Jos South LGA of Plateau State and Congo Russia of Jos North LGA of Plateau State, converged to discuss and profer solutions ‘trending issues affecting the involvement and participation of women and girls in peace and security?’

Trending issues affecting the involvement and participation of women and girls in peace and security were identified including, Culture/religious beliefs, Discrimination. Tribalism, Women seen as weaker vessels, men being the head, Stereotyping, Limited knowledge, Lack of awareness, Lack of involvement of women, Fear and lack of confidence.

Amongst organisations represented at the meeting were, Women Peace and Security Network (WPS), Plateau Peace Practitioners’ Network (PPPN), NAWOJ, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), MWA, Community Development Association, Traditional Institutions, Vigilante Heads, Jos North and Jos South; Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Nigerian Securities and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Jos North and Jos South LGA Representatives; and Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA).

Resolutions on how how women and girls can take the lead in strategic advocacy for peace building include, being educated, having one voice, women inclusion in women leadership traditional council, inclusion of women in community policing and community activities, and women assisting each other as women when it matters the most.

On this day, 4th of April, 2023, over seventy women from the communities of Dadin Kowa, Jos South LGA of Plateau State and Congo Russia of Jos North LGA of Plateau State, have come together collectively to agree on the following resolutions in the presence of.

A communique was reached with the following as key recommendations was released and which include, Creating awareness amongst women on the need to be involved in the peace process. Encouraging women to speak up. Advocacies to religious and traditional leaders Women should not having total dependence on men by building their own capacities. Women should be economically empowered Women should be able to create safe spaces amongst themselves. Share their pains and be ready to receive help. And so much more.

Story: Ehi Ohiani

Click Naija 2023