by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Acting Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma, says over the past 11 months, CLEEN Foundation, with support from UN Women and Norwegian Embassy has engaged women from across 4 Local Government Areas of Plateau State, namely, Jos North, Riyom, Mangu and Wase, thereby changing the stereotype around women and promoting the many ways they can advance through a project, titled, ‘Strengthening Capacity, Advocacy and Local Engagements of Women Mediation Platforms’ (SCALE Mediation).
He said, so far, the series of engagements have helped shape the women in fundamental aspects of peace building and mediation skills, adding that, their interest, commitment and results have truly been next-level and commendable.
While speaking during the Launch of the 3rd SAP at Government House Little Rayfield, Jos, recently, Peter Maduoma noted that, the women, peace and security agenda remain of critical importance that continues to grapple many states with complex manifestations of conflict – whether expressed through violent state-based warfare, ethno-religious conflict, internal domestic conflict or violent extremism.
According to him, “Many countries, including Nigeria have pushed to ensure a more systematic implementation of this crucial agenda. The National Action Plans (NAPs) on women, peace and security have been developed to prioritise actions for government bodies and other agencies, likewise the State Action Plan (SAPs), which we are here to launch today for Plateau State, while in other countries, gender-sensitive peace and security priorities have been captured in sectorial gender, justice or national security strategies.”
The Acting Executive Director stated that, “Experience has shown that the inclusion of government in efforts to support the women, peace and security agenda has been variable, with much government either unaware or uninvolved in national/state implementation efforts.
“Hence it is our believe in CLEEN that government uniquely positioned to promote peace and pluralism in their role, as elected representatives of the people can also be critical players in ensuring the needs of women are properly addressed.”
He called on government institutions to promote peace, security and gender-equality by guaranteeing that all laws in their intent and in their application promote and protect human rights, inclusive governance and accountability.
Also, the UN Program Specialist, Peter Mancha, explained that “The program is not just the launch of the State Action Plan of the WPS but also celebrating the 24th anniversary of UN Security Council 1325, which was adopted on October 31, by Security Council.
According to him, 107 countries have developed National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security because conflict affects women differently from men, according to statistics keynote address and unveiling of SAP.
The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, who was represented by the State Director, Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, Barr Olivia Dazyem, appreciated UN for launching the state Action Plan SAP, and assured of his continuous maximum support to women and children’s rights in the state.
In another remark, the Speaker Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan (represented by Hon. Eli Bako Ankala, a Member representing Rukuba Irigwe Constituency), acknowledged the importance of women in the state, saying that the passage of bill for the establishment of the Gender Commission to protect their rights and also the Gender Court to prosecute those, who trampled on such rights and privileges, was important.
He commended UN for championing the cause of women in all ramifications and also appreciated traditional rulers for involving and including women in their various councils.
Speaking also, Chairperson of the Plateau State Gender Commission, Barr Olivia Dazyam (represented by Director Media of the Commission), Nene Dung, said, the Third Action Plan is a testament of their dedication to turning these principles into tangible actions.
“It is aimed to empower women, address gender-based violence, and foster inclusive dialogue to build lasting peace in the State,” she stressed.
While commanding the efforts the State Government, UN Women, Norwegian Government, Civil Society Organizations and Community leaders, who have worked tirelessly to develop this plan, Barr Olivia Dazyam added that, “The Commission has been able to intervene in cases of trafficking, mediated in family issues and created awareness on dangers of sexual and gender-based violence.”