…acknowledges women’s talents, contributions in peace-building.

by Christiana Gokyo, Jos 

CLEEN Foundation has come up, again, with yet another brainstorming “Learning Exchange” session for Front-line Women Mediation Network in Plateau State for Women Mediators from Gombe, Adamawa, Kaduna and Plateau itself, among others.

While enumerating the significance of the “learning exchange” programme, a participant, Elizabeth Anche, buttressed that, “The journey has been challenging, but the dedication and commitment shown by the women mediators and their allies have yielded significant results.”

She acknowledge the increased awareness of the pivotal role that women play in peace building, saying, “Through tireless advocacy and education, we have successfully elevated the understanding of the invaluable contributions women make in fostering harmony within their communities.” 

The Director CLEEN Foundation, Gad Peter, addressing participants during the Learning Exchange for Front-line Women Mediation Network in Plateau State.

She expressed delight that, “This heightened awareness has created a solid foundation upon which lasting peace can be built. One of the most notable successes in our endeavors in Kaduna is the increased number of women mediators across the selected local government areas in the state.

“By empowering women with the necessary skills and knowledge, we have witnessed a surge in the participation of women in mediation processes. These courageous women have stepped forward, embracing their roles as mediators and facilitators of dialogue, thereby promoting peaceful resolutions to conflicts within their communities,” she said.

Elizabeth Anche narrated that, “I am pleased to share that our efforts have led to a positive shift in mindset among some traditional leaders. Through engagement and dialogue, we have successfully fostered acceptance for the inclusion of women in peace meetings.

“This milestone demonstrates the power of advocacy and the gradual transformation of societal attitudes towards embracing gender equality in decision-making processes,” she noted.

While commending the Media for playing a crucial role in amplifying the voices of women mediators, she said “It is heartening to witness how these remarkable women are now frequently invited to speak extensively on their roles as mediators.

Some members of the Women Mediation Network during the Learning Exchange.

“This visibility not only highlights their immense contributions but also inspires and motivates others to follow in their footsteps. Another significant stride in our journey is the increasing recognition and appointments of women into traditional, governmental, and ministerial positions.

“This recognition is a testament to the talent, capability, and leadership potential that women possess. It signifies a shift towards a more inclusive society where women are given the opportunity to shape policies and contribute to the overall development and peace building efforts of the nation,” she observed.

Elizabeth Anche but lamented that: “However, despite these remarkable achievements, we must acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. One of the major hurdles we face is the prevalence of a money-oriented mindset, both among the trained women mediators and some members of the community.

“Overcoming this challenge requires a concerted effort to foster a culture that values peace building over personal gain. We must continuously encourage and remind ourselves of the profound impact that sustained peace and harmonious coexistence can have on the well-being and progress of our communities.

“Additionally, the lack of funding support to carry out our proposed work-plan poses a significant obstacle. Adequate resources are essential for sustaining and expanding our peace building initiatives,” she stressed.

“It is crucial for stakeholders, both within and outside the community, to recognize the importance of investing in women mediators and peace building programs. By providing the necessary financial support, we can ensure the continuity and effectiveness of our efforts in creating a more peaceful and inclusive society.

Furthermore, she said, “As we reflect on the successes and challenges in advancing peace building efforts in Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, and Bauchi States, let us be inspired by the resilience and determination of the women mediators, who have led the way. 

“Let us renew our commitment to supporting and empowering these women as they continue to build bridges, foster dialogue, and create lasting peace within their communities.  Together, we can forge a brighter future where the invaluable contributions of women in mediation and peace-building are acknowledged,” Elizabeth Anche stated. 

Speaking earlier, Director of CLEEN Foundation, Gad Peter, said, “The Frontline Women Mediation Network in Plateau State has brought mediators together so as to engage in a conversation on mediation best practices and uncover ideas that will further drive this message across.”

He said, they are fully investing in changing the stereotype around women and promoting the many ways they can pivot, adding that, “These series of engagements have helped shape the woman in fundamental aspects of peace-building, digital skills, communications and cyber security.”

He pointed out that, the meeting was to provide opportunities for state-level women mediators to interact with the National Women Mediators and the secondary states on the WPS project experience, best practices, and resources provided.

“It is also to establish a platform for regular communication, networking, and collaboration between state-level, secondary states and national women mediators to share insights and coordinate efforts across board,” Gad Peter stated.

Also speaking at the event, the Gender Development Affairs, Women Peace and Security local officer in Yola, Adamawa State, Falda Wesley, said, they have gone far in four local governments, urging the Women Mediators to “kill the culture of silence in them” and voice out, even as their voices may not be heard.

She further urged them to keep voicing out, especially at the local level, saying, “because only women know their problems, and we must join hands and work.”

Also, Director of Ministry for Women Affairs in Gombe, Hawa P. Umar, stated that, they have been in Partnership work in Adamawa and Gombe doing the same thing and creating awareness in four local governments in reducing violence in the state, adding that, because of the awareness, more woman appointments have increased in the state because of UN Woman.

By MbNewss

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *