By Marie-Therese Nanlong

Jos – A women-led cross-border peace process between communities in Northern Plateau and Southern Kaduna Local Government Areas has been formally launched in Jos, Plateau State, marking a significant step towards inclusive and community-driven peacebuilding in areas.

Central to the initiative is the recognition of women as critical agents of peace.

The participating local government areas are Bassa, Riyom in Plateau North as well as Kaura and Kauro in Southern Kaduna, and the programme was organised by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), with support from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), to foster collaboration among peace groups and key stakeholders across border communities.

Speaking at the launch, Chris Agoha, Country Manager of HD, highlighted the complex drivers of conflict in the region and stressed that evidence shows peace agreements are more durable when women are actively involved.

Also, the Director General of the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency (PSPBA), Julie Sanda, through her Personal Assistant, Celestina Christopher, said the initiative was both symbolic and strategic, reflecting a deliberate choice by affected communities to embrace dialogue over division.

She stated Northern Plateau and Southern Kaduna share deep historical, economic and social ties, including markets, farmlands, grazing routes and family relations, but have also experienced prolonged cycles of mistrust and violent conflict, and added the new process seeks to address the root causes of these tensions through sustained dialogue, coordinated action and inclusive participation.

“Women are not merely victims of conflict; they are among the strongest builders of peace,” she noted, emphasising that placing women at the centre of mediation efforts activates a powerful but often underutilised peace asset, and the process aligns with the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Former Minister Water Resources and Chairperson at the event, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, commended HD for prioritising women’s participation, noting that women bear the heaviest burdens of conflict and are therefore well placed to lead reconciliation efforts.

She called for sustained training, economic empowerment and fairness in the distribution of resources to enable women mediators to succeed.

The Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, represented by the Director of Protocol and Public Affairs, Mary Rwang, reaffirmed the commitment to strategic communication, public sensitisation and countering misinformation to support the process.

The launch brought together government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, civil society organisations, women’s groups and community representatives, underscoring the importance of collective ownership in peacebuilding.

Stakeholders agreed that sustainable peace cannot be achieved in isolation but requires trust, coordination and strong institutional support.

Traditional institutions, faith-based organisations and local government representatives also welcomed the initiative, while participants, including women from border communities, expressed optimism that the process would strengthen their role in promoting lasting peace.