The CLEEN Foundation, a peace advocacy Civil Society Organization (CSO) has paid a courtesy visit to the Benue State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Mrs Ann Itodo Benjamin in Makurdi, the State capital on Wednesday.
The led by Dr. Gabriel Akinremi on behalf of the Foundation Executive Director, Dr Gad Peter also paid advocacy visits to traditional and religious leaders in Guma and Gwer Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State.
In his remarks, Akinremi noted that the purpose of the visits was “to promote sustainable peace and peaceful coexistence and build upon the successes and lessons learned from previous initiatives while considering Nigeria’s current and emerging peace and security context.”
He highlighted the talking points of the visit stressing that, “Peace is essential for the prosperity and well-being of any community. It forms the foundation for growth, progress, and stability.
“Conflict management by various stakeholders is crucial to maintaining peace within any community. It requires the active participation and collaboration of all community members.
“As such Women play a crucial role in peace processes and conflict management. Their unique perspectives and approaches often lead to more sustainable and effective outcomes. Involving women in peace processes is not just a matter of gender equality; it is a matter of effectiveness & inclusion.
“Therefore there is a need for Women’s participation in peace processes which leads to more comprehensive agreements that address the needs of the entire community. This inclusivity is vital for achieving lasting peace and stability.
“Collaboration among all stakeholders, including leaders, agencies, NGOs, elders, men, women, and youth, is essential for effective peace and conflict management.
“Recognizing and embracing the value that each person brings to the table, and ensuring that women have an equal seat at that table, can foster a community where conflicts are managed constructively, justice takes prevalence, and peace becomes the norm.
“Peace is a collective responsibility that requires the efforts of all community members, working together in collaboration and respect to build a peaceful and just society.
“We want to thank UN Women for their unwavering support and Partnership fostering peace processes in the state.”
Director, Benue State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Magdalene Andor, in her response noted that, “Peace is the foundation of every thriving community. Without it, our efforts to build a better future for ourselves and our children are hindered.
“However, peace is not simply the absence of conflict. It is the presence of justice, understanding, and mutual respect. Achieving peace requires the active participation of every member of our community, working together to resolve disputes, prevent violence, and promote reconciliation.
“We know that conflict, whether large or small, is a part of human life. But how we manage these conflicts determines the strength and resilience of our community. Today, I want to emphasize the importance of collaboration in managing conflicts and maintaining peace. No one individual or group can achieve peace alone. It is through dialogue, understanding, and cooperation that we can address the root causes of conflict and build lasting peace.
“In this context, I want to speak specifically about the role of women in peace processes. Historically, women have often been excluded from peace negotiations and decision-making forums, despite being disproportionately affected by conflict. Experience from around the world has shown that when women are involved in peace processes, the outcomes are more sustainable and effective. Women bring unique perspectives and solutions to the table, often focusing on reconciliation, social cohesion, and the needs of the most vulnerable members of society. They are peacemakers in their homes, communities, and beyond, and their involvement in formal peace processes is crucial.
“Involving women in peace processes is not just a matter of gender equality; it is a matter of effectiveness. Women have a deep understanding of the social dynamics of our community and are often the first to notice when tensions are rising. They can serve as mediators, bridge-builders, and advocates for peace. By including women in these processes, we are not only ensuring that their voices are heard, but we are also strengthening our collective ability to achieve lasting peace.