The Women Peace Mentors and Mediators Forum, with funding from UN Women, held a one-day event at Forgiveness Garden in Jos, Plateau State, on December 5, 2024, to commemorate the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This year’s theme, “Towards 30 Years of Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNITE TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS”, underscores the ongoing struggle to eliminate violence against women and girls.
Elder Ambassador Chief Justina Mike Ngwobia, Co-chair of the Women Peace Mentors and Mediators Forum, emphasized the urgency of collaborative efforts to combat gender-based violence. Speaking at the event, she stated, “We are calling on everyone—men, women, boys, girls, civil society, government, and the media—to unite in the fight against this menace that has deeply affected the fabric of our society. We must create a space for women in leadership, decision-making, and political participation.”
Ngwobia also lauded the Plateau State government for its progressive appointment of women in leadership roles, including the deputy governor, as a step toward gender inclusion.
Reflecting on Beijing+30, Ambassador Bridget Dakyes, Plateau State Coordinator for the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Network, highlighted the importance of reflecting on the progress made since the Beijing Declaration of 1995. She noted that while strides have been made in empowering women and promoting leadership, significant gaps remain.
“Women are still yearning for empowerment, representation in leadership, and inclusion in decision-making processes,” Dakyes said. “This campaign is about raising awareness of gender laws and ensuring their implementation to protect women and girls from violence.”
Gyang Dudu Dalyop, Coordinator of the ‘He for She’ platform under the WPS structure, reiterated the need for education and awareness. He stressed that gender-based violence is a criminal act that must be eradicated. “The growing consciousness among men and women about the evils of violence gives hope that change is possible. This activism is about fostering that awareness and creating stronger partnerships,” Dalyop stated.
Dr. Rhoda Udanyi, a lead mentor, highlighted the societal benefits of ending violence. “Communities thrive where there is no violence. It fosters harmony, prosperity, and better health outcomes. Violence, on the other hand, takes us backward,” she explained.
Plateau Peace Practitioners Network PPPN President, Nanmak D Bali, while acknowledging the active role of women in Peacebuilding and leadership, further urged women to continue to create impact.
Hajia Amina Ahmed, Co-Secretary of the Women Peace Mentors and Mediators Forum, reflected on the achievements and challenges since the Beijing Declaration. “The 30-year mark is an opportunity to assess how far we’ve come and what still needs to be done to end violence against women and girls. It’s time to reflect as individuals, communities, and nations to push this agenda forward,” Ahmed urged.
The event served as a rallying cry for continued advocacy, with speakers emphasizing the need to empower women and girls and ensure their voices are heard in all sectors of society. Participants pledged to keep fighting for a world free from violence against women and girls, with the goal of achieving significant progress before the 16 Days of Activism campaign concludes on December 10, International Human Rights Day.
The Women Peace Mentors and Mediators Forum was established by UN Women in 2017 to strengthen women’s roles in peace, security, and decision-making processes at local, national, and global levels.
