Peace networks and stakeholders in Plateau State have commended UN Women Nigeria for its remarkable contributions to peacebuilding and fostering women’s participation in security advocacy across the state.
The praise was expressed during a focus group discussion themed “Women, Peace, and Security in Northern Nigeria and the WPS Media Network”, held on Wednesday, January 23, 2025, at EYN Hall, near Challenge Bookshop in Jos, Plateau State.
The event brought together representatives from networks such as HeForShe, Women Mentors, Media Network, state ministries, and traditional leaders. Participants acknowledged UN Women’s pivotal role in enhancing women’s participation in peacebuilding and security advocacy at various levels across the state.
Peter Mancha, a UN Women representative who chaired the session, highlighted that the goal of the meeting was to evaluate the progress of efforts to restore peace and harmony in Plateau State through women’s inclusion and empowerment.
“This gathering allows us to reflect on the achievements and challenges since the inception of women’s inclusion interventions,” Mancha said. “We aim to understand the effectiveness of these programs and to gather recommendations from stakeholders and beneficiaries.”
Achievements Celebrated
Traditional leaders applauded UN Women’s interventions for enlightening women in local communities on their roles in peacebuilding and crisis management.
“Thanks to UN interventions, women now serve on our traditional councils and contribute immensely to conflict resolution. They identify potential issues and prevent unrest within the community. Women can access areas, such as youth hideouts, where men may face difficulty intervening. Many conflicts are resolved internally without involving security agencies due to early warnings provided by women,” one leader remarked.
Challenges Identified
Participants outlined various barriers limiting women’s participation in peace and security efforts:
- Limited Representation: Fewer than seven of Plateau State’s 17 local governments include women in traditional councils, despite directives from the Gwong Gwom Jos.
- Intimidation and Stigma: Women face political intimidation, societal prejudice, and cultural norms that undermine their roles.
- Economic Constraints: Financial challenges prevent women from actively engaging in peacebuilding or attending late-night meetings often dominated by men.
- Cultural and Religious Barriers: Gender stereotypes, restrictive religious practices, and social norms hinder women’s involvement.
Positive Impacts of UN Women’s Interventions
Stakeholders noted several improvements driven by UN Women’s initiatives:
- Increased inclusion of women in traditional councils and peace advocacy campaigns.
- Media reforms, including more balanced reporting and conflict-sensitive journalism.
- Greater support from men for women-led initiatives.
- Enhanced women’s empowerment through skills development and financial independence.
- In the political arena, women now lead agencies and organizations, and officials like Eli Bako, Chairman of the House of Assembly on Women’s Affairs, were praised for their exceptional work in promoting gender equality.
Recommendations for Improvement
Participants proposed several recommendations to strengthen peacebuilding initiatives:
- Increased Leadership Inclusion: Advocate for women’s representation in all leadership roles, particularly in the State House of Assembly.
- Capacity Building: Provide logistical, technical, and financial support to networks like HeForShe and media mediators.
- Address Economic Barriers: Develop trust funds and sustainable programs to support women.
- Expand Interventions: Diversify efforts to tackle emerging issues like human trafficking and include more localized initiatives.
- Strengthen Collaborations: Encourage beneficiaries to take ownership of programs and foster partnerships for long-term success.
After the meeting, Peter Mancha assured participants that their feedback would inform strategic adjustments to ensure more effective interventions and greater impact. He reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to achieving gender equality and fostering peace in Plateau State and beyond.
