A global organisation, Mercy Corps, has inaugurated Women Peace Building Council, to engender equal participation of women in decision-making and peace building processes in Kogi state.
Speaking at the inauguration held in Government House, Lokoja, on Tuesday, Mercy Corps’ Chief of Party, Maurice Amollo explained that the women council will serve as a vehicle for assembling 60 women of influence from various communities and religions backgrounds to champion peace, development and stability in their communities.
According to Amollo, the Mercy Corps’ Community Initiative to Promote Peace (CIPP) program, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is a platform intended to deepen women’s engagement in peace building in Kogi State by strengthening their capacities to advocate for, prevent and resolve conflicts.
The women, drawn from Lokoja, Dekina, Yagba West and Igalamela-Odolu local government areas of the state are expected to create and expand platforms for grassroots women to substantially address triggers of violence, gender inequities and discrimination.
“This event commemorates the 20th Anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security. The program is committed to amplifying the voices of women and addressing gender gaps in conflict prevention, management and peace-building.
“This activity will also contribute to the United Nations’ SDG 5, 10 and 16 – gender equality, reduced inequality and peace, justice and strong institutions respectively,” he said.
First Lady of Kogi state, Hajia Rashida Bello, who inaugurated the council, commended Mercy Corps, USAID and other stakeholders for the initiative and assured them of her total support.
Bello, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Folashade Ayoade, stated that the exclusion of women from peace process despite women’s contributions to preventing and resolving conflicts
had rendered their demonstrated effectiveness a nullity.
She reaffirmed Kogi state government’s commitment to providing the necessary support for the council and other initiatives that support advancements of peace, development and stability in the state.
“Women’s responsibility in conflict or in peace situation are very formidable, therefore, it is pertinent that women are supported to play a central role in preventing violence and in restoring peace in conflict affected communities.
“This initiative will no doubt create opportunities for women to play the leadership skills and contributes to gender equality in our societies,” she said.
Other dignitaries at the event include Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Fatima Buba; Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Kingsley Fanwo; Special Adviser to Kogi State Governor on SDGs, Mr. Nasir Ohiani and leader of the Lokoja market women association, among others.
Mercy Corps is a global team of humanitarians, working together on the front lines of today’s biggest crises to create a future of possibility, where everyone can prosper. Operating in more than 40 countries around the world, Mercy Corps work side by side with people living through poverty, disaster, violent conflict and the acute impacts of climate change.
Mercy Corps is implementing the CIPP, a five year peace building program funded by USAID, to prevent violent conflict in the most risk communities across six states in Nigeria.
