From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos
A non governmental organization,
CLEEN Foundation had a brainstorming program for 60 women on Learning Exchange programme for Front-line Women Mediation Network for Women Mediators from 6 states in
Plateau State.
The event which simultaneously was holding in Kaduna state and at the Conference room of Valada Hotels and resorts, in Jos drew participants from Adamawa, Benue, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna and Plateau State for the purpose of exchanging ldeas, supporting each other for better understanding and to also learn from the experiences of other women mediators who are secondry front liners.
While enumerating the significance of the learning exchange programme, a participant, who is also the Kaduna state coordinator and National member, women mediators, Elizabeth Anche, explained 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.”
While expressing delight she maintained that This heightened awareness has created a solid foundation upon which lasting peace can be built.
Stressing that 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, by embracing their roles as mediators and facilitators of dialogue, thereby promoting peaceful resolutions to conflicts within their communities,” she explained.
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 emphasized.
While commending the Media for playing a crucial role in amplifying the voices of women mediators, she maintained that “It is heartening to witness how these remarkable women are now frequently invited to speak extensively on their roles as mediators.
Speaking earlier, Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Gad Peter Shamaki 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 women in fundamental aspects of peace-building, digital skills, communications and cyber security.”
He howerver
pointed out that the meeting was aimed at providing opportunities for state-level women mediators to interact with the National Women Mediators and the secondary states on the women in peace and security (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 Women Peace and security vocal officer and Gender desk officer, Ministry of women Affairs, Yola, Adamawa State, Falda Wesley, said, they have gone far in four local governments by urging the Women Mediators to “kill the culture of silence in them” and voice out negative issues affecting them 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, we must join hands to work towards achieving women’s cause, even as they seeking for more involvement of women inthe traditional Councils in Adamawa State”
Falda added that the women mediators needs to work hard at the local government by taking more advocacy visit to the traditional Councils. The appointment of women into council will change a lot of decisions that will impact positively to their livelihoods, even as she commended the state government for involving about 400 women into traditional council.
On her part, Director of Ministry for Women Affairs in Gombe state, Hawa P. Umar, stated that, they have been in Partnership with Adamawa saying Gombe is creating awareness in four local governments in reducing violence in the state.
She said because of the awareness and more appointments of women have increased in the state and also because of the advent of UN Women which has aided in promoting of women strength through involvement in the State by also increasing their capacity building.
“This visibility does 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 at the event Barrister Olivia Dazyem, who is the acting Chairperson of the Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission in Plateau State, disclosed that “The Commission was established to liaise with the National Human Rights Commission to ensure that the fundamental human rights of everybody in the State is promoted, protected and defended.”
She said, as a baby of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, they will work hand-in-hand to ensure that they change the narrative, because the people lack knowledge about the existence of the rights legal framework for the protection of their rights.
Dazyem lamented that “most women don’t even know of the existence of the rights, because culture has told us something – that, ‘we cannot talk when people are talking – particularly women.’ ”
She explained further that, the law says, “Gender Commission is to ensure that you take care of men, boys, women and girls; but see, under the same law, the law is aware of the fact that the receiving end of rights violation is on women and children, particularly girls.
“So, we are mandated to create awareness on the existence of these rights. There is a particular section that also enables us to fill an application before court,” she stated.
“When we need to protect the rights of any person and we are passionately committed to ensuring that every one lends his or her voice and to all, particularly for her; she needs to lend her voice”.
Barr.Dazyem noted that, “Culture has thought us a lot of things. We have a role to play. Even at the International level – when the women came down with ‘Resolution 1325.’ The women can sit down and come up with resolution and decision that can help change the narrative.”
She said, “For us particularly, when we talk about peace, we sleep on our rights, because we want to achieve peace. There is the need for us to promote, project peace; as women, we are the ones that can easily do that.
“When something is disturbing us, we say that culture has told us not to say it; that you are ‘exposing’ the family. Our experience can change the narrative for us, culture cannot intimidate us. We should look at culture into our heads,” she stressed.
Barr. Dazyem however commended the Director CLEEN Foundation, Gad Peter, for playing a vital role in ensuring that Gender Commission is established through his presentation of a Lecture at a program organised when she was a Commissioner then, at the GIZ training program when he was working with the then League of Human Rights in Jos.
“His passion and commitment of CLEEN Foundation towards changing the narrative of the people of Plateau State and, indeed, the States that are participating in the programme is appropriated,” she noted.
The Chairperson further disclosed that, “His passion on the challenges of women and girls as they go through dangerous diseases on HIV/AID was the paper presented, which touched the Members of the State House of Assembly, and by which they had no option than to pass the bill – which was signed into law during the former Governor Jonah Jang Administration.
She revealed that, the last administration (of Barr. Simon Lalong) sustained the struggle, until the current Government of Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, who gave the note to establish the Commission under Section 11, particularly Paragraph “E” of the law establishing the Commission.
Speaking, while presenting a paper, ‘Strengthening, Capacity Advocacy and Local Engagement for Women,’ the Senior Program Officer, Mr. Benard Ekobay, stated that, “The Learning Exchange was to enhance the effective participation of women in conflict prevention and peace-building and improving public perception of the role of women in peace and security at the national and in the target states.
“It would also enhance legislative engagement and action on WPS, women’s leadership and participation in politics and support women’s mediation capacities network, and action for conflict prevention and peace building.”
He explained that, “Government institutions at the Federal and State levels are strengthened to provide strategic leadership and effectively coordinate the development and localisation of Nigeria’s 3rd National Action Plan and updated State-level Action Plans on WPS.
“Representation and leadership of Women Peace-building Networks and WPS advocates in conflict prevention and mediation are increased State-level structures sustained to effectively lead on integration and accountability for women, peace and security.”
Mr. Ekobay evaluated that, representation and participation of women in political leadership is strengthened, as well as the functioning, sustainability, and linkage between the established Women Mediation networks in Kaduna and Plateau State and across-state engagements, and continued technical support to integrate the networks into a national network of women mediators.
On her part the National team leader Magdalene U. Invaluable, described women mediators as the first umbrella body to other women organizations due to their vibrancy.
She said safety of women mediators is of utmost importance and needs to take precautions when ever they are on the field.
While observing said there are usually language and cultural barriers on the field, therefore she called for closure of such gaps and to also involve the youth in all segments of programs for sustainability for future purpose, even as she suggested that People living with disabilities be considered to give them sense of belonging in all aspects.
The lead team leader who organized playlets to showcase knowledge of understanding acquired and level of participation of the women mediators at the training gave more relevant suggestions on what to do and don’t while dealing with clients.
Our correspondent reports that women mediators advocated for the establishment of gender desk at local government areas, involve media in all their programs to keep the public informed of activities of women mediators.
Create alternative dispute centers to chat with people, listen and to respond appropriately to questions where necessary. And to also create awareness in available avenues.
Some Participants full of excitement said their level of understanding from other women from various states have increased their knowledge and they are better equipped to assist those who need their services at their various communities and local government areas in the state.
While appreciating CLEEN Foundation for the opportunity accorded to them during the two days training and learning exchange programme,
they requested for more involvement in their future programs.
The Commissioner for women Affairs and Social Development, Plateau State, Caroline Dafur, representation by her permanent secretary of the ministry, Alex Anlong, said the peace and security of women is sacrosanct therefore, peace must be properly guided to sustain the peace acquired.
She thanked CLEEN Foundation for its continued support towards enhancing the capacity of women mediators in the state.
The Executive Director CLEEN Foundation Gad Peter Shamaki, said the women mediators have exhibited high knowledge of understanding. He urged the group to continue to improve to target the greater heights of skills that is very important which ought to be treated with care to avoid and survive any breech of peace.
