UN Underscores the essence of promoting women’s Rights in Peace and security
From Tongnaan Bawa Jos
The United Nations Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, has underscored the importance of UNSCR 1325 in advancing gender equality and promoting women’s rights in peace and security.
She made the emphasis when Plateau State launched its 3rd Action Plan for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security at the government house Rayfield in Jos, the State capital.
She commended the State for its commitment to implementing the resolution through the development of successive Action Plans.
In his keynote address and unveiling of SAP, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the state Director, gender and equal opportunities commission, Barr. Olivia Dazyem, appreciated UN for launching the state Action Plan SAP.
Mutfwang assured of his continuous maximum support to women and children’s rights in the state.
In his presentation on the SAP synopsis, Prof. Chris Kwaja, highlighted the importance of ensuring women’s empowerment and participation in peacebuilding efforts.
He stressed the need for a deliberate and systematic approach to addressing gender inequality and to empower women at all levels of society.
He explained that the 3rd Action Plan aims at addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by women in Plateau State, including violence against women, limited participation in decision-making processes, and lack of access to justice.
Kwaja added that It focuses on four key pillars: participation, protection, prevention, and relief and recovery.
Speaker state House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan represented by Hon. Eli Bako Ankala,Member representing Rukuba Irigwe Constituency, described women in the state as very important hence, 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.
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.
Peter Mancha, UN program specialist disclosed that the program is just the launched 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.
He said 107 countries have developed National Action Plan on Women Peace and security because conflict affects women differently from men according to statistics.
Our correspondent reports that the launch event was attended by key stakeholders, and there were also goodwill messages by Traditional Rulers, Religious, civil society/ CLEEN Foundation, State Commissioner of Police, peace building Agency, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, women organizations, National and International partners.
Experiences were shared by members of WPS structures, women mediation network, HeforShe network and WPS media network to encourage more support from their sponsors Norwegian embassy and UN Women.
