With the allocation of a ₦2.5 billion budget, Plateau State is underscoring its commitment to gender inclusivity, pledging to empower women through strategic leadership appointments and substantial investments in gender-related initiatives.
This bold approach reflects a deepened focus on women’s rights and equality across the state.
At the recent two-day Women’s Summit, organized by the Development Initiative of West Africa (DIWA) under the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA) in Jos, Mr. Sunday Dondbim, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, outlined the state’s strides in fostering an inclusive environment for women.
Themed “Empowering Voices and Advancing Women’s Rights within Faith and Society,” the summit aimed to address key challenges facing women.
Representing Hon. Commissioner Caroline Panglang Dafur, Dondbim highlighted that gender equality remains a central pillar for the Plateau State administration and notable budget allocations have been earmarked to protect women’s rights and tackle gender-based violence.
Dondbim praised the collaboration with civil society organizations, emphasizing that groups like DIWA and JISRA are crucial in advancing state-led initiatives.
He stated“Our administration is deeply invested in inclusiveness, actively elevating women into roles of influence. With women holding positions like the deputy governor, head of service, and several commissioner roles, our stance on gender equality is undeniable”
“this year, we secured ₦1.3 billion for gender-related activities, and we have defended a ₦2.5 billion budget for 2025. This funding allows us to support women across Plateau, including through the Widows College in Mangu, which has empowered 285 women through training. Our success has even drawn collaboration offers from Enugu, Ibadan, and international partners, underscoring the broad impact of our work.”
He noted that government efforts alone are insufficient, which is why partnerships, especially with longstanding supporters like JISRA, are invaluable in driving change across all 17 local government areas.
In a keynote address, Mrs. Celina Ali, President of the National Council for Women’s Societies in Plateau State, shed light on the unique role women play in promoting peace and religious freedom.
She urged for greater female involvement in decision-making, particularly in matters of religious tolerance and security.
“Women have long been pillars of change, fostering peace within families and communities, even across religious and ethnic lines. Empowered women create the foundation of inclusive and resilient societies,” Ali stated, stressing the necessity of women’s inclusion in conversations on religious freedom.
Calling for specific policy actions, she advocated for stronger support for women-led initiatives and legal protections, stressing that sustainable peace depends on women’s equal participation in fostering tolerance and dialogue.
Halima Ibrahim Saleh, speaking on behalf of women with disabilities, discussed the unique hurdles they face, including stigma in marriage and employment discrimination.
She expressed gratitude for JISRA’s initiatives that have included disabled persons, noting that such efforts provide visibility and a sense of value for their contributions.
Reflecting on the summit’s outcomes, Habila Mohamed Kudu, DIWA’s Project Officer, highlighted the significance of a collaborative approach in advancing women’s rights and freedom of belief.
He reinforced that partnerships between diverse groups are essential for ensuring women’s voices are heard in societal decision-making.
The summit gathered women leaders, activists, and stakeholders from Plateau and Kaduna States, sparking vital discussions on human rights, peacebuilding, and religious tolerance. It strengthened the collective resolve to build a future that embraces equality, tolerance, and inclusivity, with women as central agents of change.
