The Development Initiative of West Africa (DIWA), in collaboration with the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA), launched a significant Women’s Summit at Novel Suites and Resort in Rayfield, Jos, gathering women leaders, activists, and stakeholders for two days of discussions and advocacy focused on freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) and peacebuilding.
With the theme “Empowering Voices and Advancing Women’s Rights within Faith and Society,” the summit seeks to strengthen women’s roles in promoting FoRB and social cohesion. The event, which took place on November 13-14, featured collaborative sessions designed to amplify women’s voices in advocating for human rights and sustainable peace across religious communities.
Habila Muhammad Kudu, Project Officer at DIWA, emphasized the summit’s goal: *“to create a platform for women to discuss FoRB, peacebuilding, and the importance of gender equality across communities.”* He highlighted the participation of government officials, security agencies, and women leaders representing various sectors. Kudu described the summit as a crucial opportunity to address inclusion and gender equality, fostering peaceful coexistence and advancing women’s voices in society.
Representing Plateau State’s Ministry of Women Affairs, Sunday Dombin underscored the government’s commitment to gender inclusion, citing the presence of numerous women in key leadership roles, including Deputy Governor and several high-ranking officials. He noted that the state government allocated over 1.3 billion naira in 2024 for gender-focused programs and has proposed 2.5 billion naira for similar initiatives in 2025. “This is a gender-friendly administration, and we welcome partners like JISRA who help us reach communities and fight gender-based violence (GBV),” Dombin stated.
In a keynote address, Mrs. Celina Ali, President of the National Council of Women Societies, Plateau State, emphasized women’s essential role as “agents of peace and change” within communities. She called for greater inclusion of women in decision-making processes affecting religious freedom and peace efforts. “Throughout history, women have been silent peacemakers in families and communities. Today, their voices must be heard and their perspectives valued in policies that promote tolerance and coexistence,” Ali stated. She highlighted the unique challenges women face, especially those from minority religious backgrounds who experience compounded discrimination.
Ali presented policy recommendations, urging for the inclusion of women in peace and security initiatives, support for grassroots peacebuilding projects, and the promotion of religious tolerance education. She also called for legal protections to safeguard women from discrimination and violence due to religious beliefs.
During a panel discussion, speakers including Ngozi Edmond of Bege Foundation, Jacob Choji Pwakim from YIAVHA Nigeria, Hajiya Maimuna Abdullahi from WISCOD, and Sheikh Umar Farouk Mohammed of the Plateau State Youth Interfaith Forum, advocated for stronger legal frameworks to protect women in FoRB. They encouraged women to assert their roles and called on men to support women in achieving these goals.
The first day of the summit concluded with award presentations honoring individuals for their dedication to empowering women and promoting social inclusion. Recognized for their contributions were Alhaji Danlami Tanko, Paulina Dacholom, Fatima Abdullahi Sani, and Elder Justina Mike Ngwobia.
This summit marks a critical step toward a future where women’s voices lead the way in peacebuilding and freedom of belief, as DIWA, JISRA, and participating stakeholders continue to champion gender equality and interfaith cooperation across Plateau State.
