The Regional Programme Manager of the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING) programme, Mujidang Sitdang, has called for greater investment in women’s participation in governance, peacebuilding, and community development, noting that empowering women is essential for sustainable peace and societal progress.
Sidang made the call while delivering the keynote address at a dialogue and reconciliation session held to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day in Jos. The event, themed “Give to Gain,” took place at Villa Grande Hotel on Thursday.
The programme was organised by Global Peace Development (GPD) and the Women for Positive Peacebuilding Initiative (WOPPI), with support from the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING) project and other partners.
According to Sidang, International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to amplify the voices of women and highlight the need for governments and communities to recognise their contributions to peace and development.
“For us at SPRING, this day offers a moment to re-echo the voices of women across the world and encourage governments to emulate the theme ‘Give to Gain.’ Women in Nigeria, and particularly in Plateau State, have sacrificed and contributed immensely to peace in homes and communities,” he said.
He added that the time had come for society to reciprocate those contributions by ensuring that women are given equal opportunities in political leadership, governance, and community decision-making processes.
Sitdang also noted that progress has been made in some communities where women are now included in traditional councils and consulted in important community decisions, stressing that such inclusion should be strengthened across the country.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of Global Peace Development, Ebruke Onajite Esike, said the dialogue was organised to encourage greater participation of women in politics, peacebuilding, and community reconciliation processes.
He explained that the organisation, through its projects supported by SPRING, has been working to strengthen women’s capacity at the grassroots to participate in mediation, peacebuilding, and sustainable livelihood initiatives.
Esike added that platforms such as the Women Peace Ambassadors initiative were helping women become active stakeholders in community dialogue and reconciliation efforts.
In her remarks, the wife of the Chairman of Jos South Local Government Area, Mercy Dung Silas, encouraged women to participate more actively in politics and governance.
She noted that societal perceptions and male dominance in politics often discourage women from seeking leadership roles but emphasised that women have significant contributions to make in decision-making processes.
Also speaking, Programme Officer of the Women for Positive Peacebuilding Initiative in Plateau State, Dung John Hwyere, highlighted emerging challenges affecting women and girls, including human trafficking and child labour linked to mining activities in some communities.
He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations, and security institutions to address the issues and protect vulnerable girls.
Other speakers at the event included Rabi Moody, who called for greater support for women’s inclusion in peace and security discussions, and Uko Pukuma of the National Human Rights Commission, who urged governments and organisations to invest more in the education, empowerment, and protection of women and girls.
Participants at the dialogue included representatives of government agencies, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, and community groups who gathered to discuss strategies for strengthening women’s participation in peacebuilding, reconciliation, and sustainable development initiatives across Plateau State.
