This came after successfully launching in the state the European Union-funded project implemented by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN Women) in partnership with UNICEF and the federal and state Ministries of Women Affairs and Social Development.

The UN Women Office in Plateau State held its quarterly steering committee meeting with the theme: “Promoting women engagement in peace and security in northern Nigeria,” at the Lamonde hotel in Jos on Friday.

This came after successfully launching in the state the European Union-funded project implemented by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN Women) in partnership with UNICEF and the federal and state Ministries of Women Affairs and Social Development.

The project engaged 16 women leaders in 16 communities, four each across four selected Local Government Areas, namely Wase, Riyom, Mangu and Jos North. Nigeria launched its National Action Plan on the implementation of the UNSCR 1325 on August 27, 2013 in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The development of the NAP became imperative for the integration of gender dimension in peacekeeping, peace building, conflict resolution and management at all levels.The Plateau State Action Plan reflects government’s commitment and responsiveness in ensuring security for all, especially women, girls and children in the state during conflicts/crisis and in enhancing their active and direct participation in conflict prevention and peace building, as well as post-conflict efforts.

In her presentation, the Gender Technical Adviser of Women Peace and Security in Plateau State, Sewuese Surma, stated that PSAP is a useful guide in defining the important and distinct roles of implementers of UNSCR 1325 both at policy and implementation levels. Surma said it ensures that government programmes at both state and LGA levels respond to immediate and long-term needs of women and children before, during and after conflict.

Presentations were made by organizations working and implementing the action plan in the grassroots level in the state with ample time giving for questions and answers. In her closing remark, the Permanent Secretary, Plateau State Planning Commission, through her representative, Dalyop Iliya, appreciated the implementing partners for a job well done.

Iliya also appreciated the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, who was ably represented at the event, urging the implementing partners to do more action and less talk to create a better environment for women in the state.

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UN women, UNICEF engage Plateau communities in peace advancement program