The Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission on Friday, October 2, 2026, convened women political leaders from the 17 local government areas of the state for a stakeholder engagement aimed at strengthening their role in promoting gender equality, protecting women and children, and responding to cases of abuse and discrimination.
Speaking at the event, the Acting Chairperson of the Commission, Barrister Olivia Dazyam, described the women leaders as critical partners in advancing gender equality, stressing that the responsibility could not be left to government institutions alone.
“The work of advancing gender equality in Plateau State cannot be done by a commission alone. We need women in politics, women leaders, women at the grassroots and women in our communities,” Dazyam said.
She urged the participants to use their influence and grassroots networks to identify cases of abuse and direct victims to appropriate institutions, stressing that the Commission’s message was: “If you see something, say something, and do something.”
Dazyam disclosed that the Commission had encountered disturbing cases involving domestic violence, sexual abuse, child trafficking, denial of inheritance and property rights, and other forms of violence against women and children. Without dwelling on the graphic details, she cited cases ranging from severe domestic abuse to sexual violations involving children and incest, stressing that many victims suffer in silence because of fear, culture, family pressure or lack of knowledge about where to seek help.
“We are tired of rescuing people after the damage has already been done. Prevention is much more important,” she said, urging women leaders to become “gender champions” in their communities.
According to her, the Commission is also concerned about the under-representation of women in leadership and decision-making, particularly at the grassroots level. She encouraged political women leaders to mobilise women in their wards and local governments to participate actively in politics, stressing that “politics is local.”
Dazyam further called for greater attention to women’s economic empowerment, property and inheritance rights, child protection and access to justice, noting that an economically empowered woman is better positioned to make independent decisions and protect herself and her children.
She also warned against cultural practices that prevent widows and daughters from inheriting property, as well as situations where women acquire property with their resources but register it in another person’s name in the name of protecting a relationship or marriage.
On child protection, she urged parents and community leaders to take greater responsibility for knowing where children are, who they interact with and how they are treated, warning that child trafficking, child labour, sexual abuse and exploitation remain serious concerns.
Dazyam said the Commission was seeking stronger partnerships with political women leaders, traditional institutions, religious bodies, communities and other stakeholders to expand awareness and referral mechanisms.
“You do not necessarily have to solve the problem, but you can show her where she can find help. Sometimes leadership means knowing who to call,” she said.
She also urged the women leaders to organise similar sensitisation programmes in their respective local government areas, saying the Commission was ready to provide technical support and collaborate on issues including gender-based violence, child protection, political participation, economic empowerment, property rights and access to justice.
Former Plateau State PDP Women Leader, Hon. Martina C. Dakur, urged participants to take the message beyond the gathering and replicate the engagement in their respective communities.
“Let it not end here. You can organise something of this nature back home. When you see something, say something and do something,” Dakur said.
The Plateau State APC Women Leader, Hon. Longret Tokden, described the engagement as an opportunity to strengthen the capacity of women leaders, while the Deputy Women Leader Hon. Lilian Madaki, said the programme had moved her from awareness to a greater willingness to take action.
Similarly, the Women Leader in Shendam Local Government Area, Runtun Charity Jerry, said the programme had equipped her with knowledge to identify problems confronting women and refer victims to the appropriate authorities.
The engagement ended with a renewed call for women leaders to build partnerships across political lines and work collectively to promote the safety, dignity, participation and equal opportunities of women and children across Plateau State.
