CEPAN Recieves Accolades for promoting Women’s Engagement in Peace in Nigeria

By Pam Moses

Participants at the Plateau State High Level Policy Dialogue have commended the Centre For Peace Advancement In Nigeria, CEPAN for standing tall in promoting Women’s Engagement in Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria.

The High Level Policy Dialogue, is the highest point of programmes being implemented by CEPAN is a partnership iniyiative of the United Nations, UN resolutions to end violence and other vices against Women, and as well promoting Women’s Engagement in Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria.

Since it was adopted at the international community under resolution UNSCR, 1325 and the subsequent resolutions to pave way for Women’s meaningful participation at leadership at all levels in decision making, conflict transformation and peace process, CEPAN and other actors have been working out modalities to see strict implementation of the project in Nigeria.

Speaking during the highlight of the event held at the Crest Hotel in Jos on Wednesday, the executive Director, CEPAN, Rev. Samuel Goro, said on her mandate, under tittle, Collaborative Path promoting Women’s Engagement in Peace and Security in Plateau State, the project has been doing well.

According to hm, “The project has contributed immensely in empowering women who are now putting in their leadership skills to practice by supporting other women in their communities as well as serve as role modes through their active participation in .meetings, playing the role of facilitators and mediators in conflict -related issues concerning women”.

Responding, the General Technical Adviser, UNWomen, Sewuese Surma, expressed satisfaction with the evidence positive performances recorded by CEPAN, stressing she is with a firm believe that the climax of the interface would fashion out action plans for participants to serve as human right monitors in their communities.

According to her, she is overwhelmed that with the intervention of the programme women are being given a place in the scheme of things, stressing that then engagement of six women in the decision making at the traditional institutions of Wase and Kanam local governments in Plateau state is a welcome development.

She however promised UN firm resolve to support the Organisation morally and financially towards the implementation of the policy, and appeals to political players to encourage and support women to play their roles.

On her part, the state commissioner for Women Affairs Mrs Rifina Gurumyen whebwas represented by Solomon Dombin, a director in the ministry, encourage Women to remain resolute in participating in all activities or discussion that has to do with anything that affects women, especially political, traditional and social discriminations.

Goodwill messages also came in from the traditional rulers, civil society representatives who observed with dismay over the rising cases and f rape in the state and urge women groups to form coalitions with peace building agencies as way of meeting on regular bases to deliverate women related laws and other demands.

Representative of Plateau Sate Commissioner of Police, ACP, Akoh Gabriel commended CEPAN, UNICEF, UN Women and other Non Governmental Organization for their contributions leading to the successful restoration of peace in the state.

He said the Command in collaboration with other security agencies is not resting on its oars to ensuring that Plateau remains the most peaceful state in Nigerian and appeals to citizens to support the peace provess by tolerating and respecting each other’s diversity and ensure a lot peaceful coexistence.

He said the recent attacks in Bassa, Riyom and Bokkos lecal government areas where several lives were lost is being brought under control, saying the command has encouraged and supported dialogue session that seek to bring harmony.

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CEPAN Receives Accolades for Promoting Women’s Engagement in Peace in Nigeria