Plateau Launches Women Protection Project
BY CHAMBERLAIN ODEY, JOS – The Plateau State government, in conjunction with the European Union, has launched the #heforshe project in the state as part of efforts to consolidate the post-conflict peace building process in the state.
With the theme “promoting women’s engagement in peace and security in Northern Nigeria”, the programme is designed to mobilize the male folk to promote a new culture of gender equality; discourage violence against women; and unite to end violence against women.
Held at the Crest Hotel & Gardens, Jos, the #heforshe peace project was conceived and launched by the United Nations since 2014 as a global coalition and collaboration to end war of the sexes, and promote gender equality.
Speaking at the event that also witnessed the launch of Plateau State Action Plan on the UNSCR 1325, Phase 2, Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, noted that experiences of the recent crises in Plateau and environs have proven sufficiently that the challenges of peace and security cannot be left to the government alone.
Governor Lalong, represented by the Director General of Plateau Peace Building Agency, Joseph Lengmang, said if women as critical stakeholders work to keep and maintain the peace, it will help to complement government’s efforts at achieving sustainable peace within the State.
In her keynote address at the forum, Plateau State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Rufina Gurumyen, noted that “the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) on women peace and security on October 31, 2000”.
According to her, “The resolution reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace building, humanitarian response, and in post conflict recon abstraction.”
Also, Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Undie Adie, represented by DPO Dauda Ayuba, said the Nigeria Police has been respectful of the UN Resolution 1325 by protecting the rights of women, especially against violence.
The Police boss therefore urged all stakeholders to support the #heforshe project, even as he charged all stakeholders working for the advancement of peace to always engage women during conflict and post conflict situations.
In his remarks, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Jacob Gyang Buba said the traditional institution in the state has been advancing the cause of girl child education, stating that “We always arrest any girl child hawking during school hours, until we get to the parents.”
The Royal father also advocated the use girl child education to discourage social problems such as divorce and other threats that lead to broken homes.
The well attended event also had representation from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.
