UN women: Plateau moves to include women in peace deal

Plateau State has developed the second stage of the National action plan for the UN’s Security Council Resolution UNSCR 1325 aimed for the inclusion of women in Nation’s development, conflict management and entrenchment of sustainable peace.

The move tagged ‘HeforShe’ was unveiled at a press briefing yesterday in Jos to commemorate the 17 anniversary of the UNSCR 1325.

Plateau State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Rufina Gurumyen, represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Hassana Ayeka, said that Nigeria being a member of the UN and key player in peace and security development, should play the key role in gender quality.

The Commissioner said that Plateau is the first State to developed the National Action plan in 2013, adding that the successes gained under the action plan includes the passage of the Gender and Equal Opportunity Law, existence of Child’s Right Act Law, establishment of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency and the establishment of Women Peace and Security Network among others.

On his part, a consultant with UN Women, Dr. Chris Kwaja, gave the overview of the state action plan in a paper titled ‘a celebration of resilience’ said “the Plateau State government takes the issue of women seriously as women have always played a crucial role in executing duty of care when it comes to peace building”.

Also, the Plateau State Governor, represented by the State Director of Research, Prof. John Wade, said the second edition of the Plateau State Action Plan commends UN Women’s effort in peace and security in the state saying “the Plateau State government takes the issue of women seriously as women have always played a crucial role when it comes to peace building”.

Our correspondent reports that as a result of the devastating impact of conflict on women and girls, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution that focuses on the involvement of women in peace and security related decision making processes at all levels of government.

However, the UN policy on women, peace and security was adopted in October 2000, with a call on all actors involved in negotiating and implementing peace agreements to ensure the protection of women’s rights and the full involvement of women in all aspects of promoting peace and security.

Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos