From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Over 50 cases have been recorded by the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Right Commission, out of which about 30 have been successfully mediated.
The Gender Equal Opportunities Right was established 8 months ago and has secured one prosecution presently.
The Director of Media Information officer of the Commission, Mrs Nene Dung, disclosed this during the opening of a two-day Learning Exchange for WPS structures in Plateau, Gombe and Adamawa at Valada Resort Hotel Jos on Tuesday Organised by CLEEN Foundation, with support from Norwegian Embassy and UN Women.
Speaking earlier, the Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Gad Pete,r, said the exchange visit between the Project Secondary state platform and state Women Mediators in Plateau presents an opportunity for collaborative learning and capacity building in conflict resolution and mediation, particularly focusing on gender perspectives.
According to him, this is in pursuit of the implantation of the State Action Plan (SAP) and SDG 16. The importance of this gathering cannot be overemphasized, adding that it also aims to leverage local Indigenous expertise and Notional support to promote peacebuilding initiatives in the respective regions.
As we deliberate, let us bear in mind that we all are stakeholders, and we have the tools to maintain and expand our network of mediators, as well as support peace-focused initiatives at all levels. he stressed.
According to him, it is also important to note that this venture does not exclude the technical support of our formal security stakeholders, who help provide safety and maintain stability in our Communities.
Also speaking,, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfar,e, H.on. Caroline P. Da,for, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alex Antong said the WPS resolution has been instrumental in recognizing the critical role women in play in conflict prevention, resolution,and peace-building.
She however noted that, their implemention remains a challenge, adding that the learning exchange seek to address this challenge by creating a platform for open dialogue and knowledge exchange between both primary state platforms.
According to him, this is by sharing experience, analyzing everyday roles functions, responsibilities and policies that can identify what enhances or hinders the implantation of UNSCR 1325 in states.
The Commisioner further pointed out that,the importance of this learning exchange cannot be overemphasized because it complements the efforts of state,national government, International organizations to ensure that WPS resolutions make a positive difference in the life of women,men, girls and boys especially in conflicts affected communities..
She said, this is by creating channels for better coordination, cooperation and coherence among all stakeholders to ensure replication and sustainability of our efforts.
While calling on all stakeholders to delve into the complexities of conflicts in our region, exploring their root causes and the impact they have on our Communities, adding that, the role of a woman in peace -building should be highlighted equally too, through their straight and the challenges they face.
She also stated that best practices should be sacrosanct, lessons learned, and innovative approaches to conflict resolution and peace-building should be our major concern.
