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UN Women Evaluate Women’s Participation in Peace and Security in Plateau
The UN Women-supported Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) networks convened a one-day focus group discussion themed “Women, Peace, and Security in Northern Nigeria and the WPS Media Network” to evaluate their progress in fostering inclusivity and gender equality in peace and security efforts.
The event, held on Wednesday, January 23, 2025, at the EYN Hall beside Challenge Bookshop in Jos, Plateau State, brought together stakeholders from various networks, traditional leaders, and state representatives to evaluate achievements, challenges, and the impact of their programs in fostering gender equality and inclusivity. Participants acknowledged the organization’s role in enhancing women’s participation in peacebuilding and security advocacy across Plateau State.
Peter Mancha, Project Manager of the WPS Network with UN Women, commended stakeholders’ dedication and highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.
He stated, “This gathering aims to evaluate achievements, challenges, and the impact of our programs on promoting women’s engagement in peace and security, while also providing recommendations from stakeholders and beneficiaries.”
Achievements Highlighted
Participants reported notable successes, such as increased representation of women in traditional councils, where they play vital roles in addressing potential conflicts. Traditional leaders emphasized women’s ability to engage in sensitive areas, such as youth hideouts, where male counterparts might struggle to intervene. Women’s involvement has enabled communities to resolve disputes internally, reducing reliance on security agencies.
Challenges Identified
Despite progress, participants noted several challenges:
- Limited Representation: Out of 17 local governments in Plateau State, fewer than seven include women in their traditional councils.
- Intimidation and Exclusion: Women face political intimidation, societal stigma, and restrictions on attending critical decision-making meetings.
- Gender Norms and Stereotypes: Cultural and religious beliefs hinder women’s participation, with many facing societal pressure or being viewed as “weaker” or less authoritative.
- Economic Barriers: Financial constraints and traditional gender roles often limit women’s ability to contribute effectively to peace initiatives.
Effectiveness of UN Women Interventions
Participants highlighted several positive impacts of UN Women’s programs:
- The inclusion of women in traditional councils and advocacy campaigns.
- Media reforms, including more balanced and conflict-sensitive reporting.
- Increased support for women in political and leadership roles, exemplified by champions like Eli Bako, Chair of the House of Assembly on Women’s Affairs.
- Empowerment programs enabling women to achieve financial independence.
Recommendations for Improvement
The meeting concluded with actionable recommendations, including:
- Leadership Inclusion: Advocating for women’s representation in all levels of government and traditional councils.
- Capacity Building: Providing logistical, financial, and technical support for networks like HeForShe and media mediators.
- Sustainability Measures: Ensuring long-term support for programs and addressing budget mismanagement.
- Expanded Interventions: Diversifying efforts to tackle emerging issues like human trafficking.
- Increased Advocacy: Promoting community ownership of initiatives and fostering stronger stakeholder collaborations.
Peter Mancha assured attendees that the feedback and recommendations would guide future interventions, aiming to overcome challenges and enhance the effectiveness of the WPS programs in fostering gender equality and sustainable peace in Northern Nigeria.
The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has declared that it would not endorse any politician or political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Chairman, Board of Trustees of the League, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, made this declaration at the opening of a three-day conference organised by the League for Imams, Alfas, political office holders and traditional rulers.
The event, which took place in Ibadan on Saturday, was attended by Governor Seyi Makinde, President of the League, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Abubakar, Alfa Agba of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulbari Adetunji, Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, Secretary General of the League, Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat and Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrim Welfare Board (Muslim Wing) Sheikh Hashim Atere and Professor Kamil Olosho.
Others are Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Bashir Abioye, Professor Amidu Sanni, Professor Adam Surajudeen and Iyalode Adini of Yorubaland, Alhaja Sedeekat Aderibigbe, alongside other notable Islamic clerics, scholars and Muslims from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos and Ondo states.
Abdullahi El-Ilory while speaking on behalf of the League, explained that the group cannot declare support or announce any politician or political party as its choice for the forthcoming general elections.
He explained that the only thing the League can do and is still doing is to pray to God to give Nigerians credible leaders that will make life more meaningful for the citizens.
Abdullahi El-Ilory said, "We are religious leaders, we are not politicians, but we are the fathers of politicians. We will not declare support for any political party or politicians.
"We the league of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland cannot declare support or announce our support for any politician or political party. We can only pray to God for Him to give us credible leaders."
Makinde, while addressing the gathering, urged Nigerians to see themselves as one.
He advised Muslim clerics not to allow people to use religion to cause confusion in the forthcoming general elections.
Kewulere, in his contribution, noted that the focus of clerics should be to guide the people and preach the religion of Islam.
He said, "We are not politicians. An Imam is not supposed to be involved in politics. Our focus should be to guide people and preach the religion of Islam in line with the Islamic principles."
Ishola, on his part, explained that the programme was organised in order to ensure unity and cooperation among Muslims in Yorubaland before, during and after the general elections.
2027: We won’t endorse any politician, political party – Yoruba Imams, Alfas
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