Women’s Role in Conflict Resolution: A Vital Step Towards Sustainable Peace
In a landmark event, the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) Nigeria and the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA) have emphasized the importance of women’s involvement in conflict resolution in Plateau State and beyond. The organizations recently organized a one-day strategic engagement on Conflict Mitigation and Peace Dialogue with key stakeholders from Wase, Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State.
The event, which brought together representatives from affected communities, highlighted the critical role women play in resolving conflicts. According to WANEP-Nigeria’s National Coordinator, Bridget Osakwe, “one of the objectives of this meeting is to foster efforts among key stakeholders from Bokkos, Mangu, Wase, and Barkin Ladi LGAs in Plateau State. We want to provide a platform for open dialogue to identify the root causes of violence, share personal experiences, and develop practical strategies for peaceful coexistence within communities.”
Osakwe emphasized the need to amplify the role of women in the peacebuilding process, contributing to sustainable peace and stability in affected communities. “Women bear the brunt of conflict in their various communities, and it is essential to involve them in the peacebuilding process to ensure a more comprehensive and effective approach,” she said.
WANEP-Nigeria’s Head of Programmes, Patience Obualo, added that “most times conflict resolution lies in the hands of men, but we want to begin to hear what the concerns and needs of women are; where it comes to issues of peace and security.” Obualo cited the 2023 Christmas Eve attacks, which claimed almost 200 lives, with most victims being women and children, as a stark reminder of the importance of women’s involvement in conflict resolution.
Traditional ruler and participant at the engagement, Saf Dauda Maren, from Daffo District of Bokkos LGA, praised the organizations for bringing people from affected communities together to chart a way forward for peaceful coexistence. “A forum like this gives people room to forgive one another, so that they can coexist peacefully,” he said.
The event marks a significant step towards promoting women’s participation in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts in Plateau State. As the region continues to grapple with conflicts, it is essential to recognize the vital role women play in promoting peace and stability. By involving women in the peacebuilding process, we can work towards creating a more comprehensive and effective approach to resolving conflicts and building sustainable peace.