Jos – Efforts to strengthen peacebuilding in Plateau State has received a boost as the Jos South Local Government Council works towards the implementation of a comprehensive framework aimed at increasing women’s role in conflict prevention and community decision-making.

The five-year policy document, known as the Local Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (2026–2030), meant to guide the process was launched at the Council Secretariat at Bukuru on Tuesday.

The event, facilitated by the Women for Positive Peacebuilding Initiative (WOPPI) in partnership with the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) programme, of the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, also witnessed the inauguration of a Local Implementation Group tasked with translating the plan into concrete results.

The initiative is to promote stability in vulnerable communities, and the plan is a working tool intended to reshape how peacebuilding is approached at the local level, particularly by expanding opportunities for women to participate in shaping outcomes.

WOPPI Executive Director, Lantana Abdullahi, said the framework was developed to serve as a guide for coordinated action among government institutions, civil society and community actors.

She noted that the plan introduces measurable targets and reporting mechanisms that will allow stakeholders to assess progress over time.

The Executive Director further explained that the plan builds on existing commitments at both State and national levels, but distinguishes itself by focusing on “practical application within local communities, where the impact of conflict is most directly felt.”

Also addressing the gathering, Nina Mason from the FCDO, underscored the global relevance of the initiative, and said evidence from different contexts shows that peace processes are more durable when women are included.

She stressed that their participation should be prioritised in governance and conflict resolution efforts.

Also, Priscilla Ankut, who represented the UK- SPRiNG programme said the focus of the initiative is on ensuring that policy commitments do not remain abstract.

She explained that bringing such frameworks to the local level helps bridge longstanding gaps between policy design and implementation.

She said the framework provides a structured approach to advancing the principles of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 at the grassroots.

According to her, the plan sets out priority areas such as safeguarding women’s rights, improving responses to emergencies and strengthening collaboration between formal institutions and local communities.

In her keynote remarks, Chairperson of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, Olivia Dazyam, described the development as timely, particularly in light of the State’s security challenges.

She maintained that excluding women from peace efforts undermines the prospects for sustainable development.

Community leaders also lent their voices in support of the initiative, as a representative of the Da Yohanna Pam from the Jos South Traditional Council, highlighted the stabilising role women play within families and communities, calling for continued recognition and support.

Earlier, the Deputy Chairman of Jos South, Ngo Kachollom Micheal assured stakeholders that the Council would back the process, particularly by encouraging the participation of women in rural areas.

With the newly inaugurated implementation group expected to coordinate activities and monitor outcomes, it is believed that sustained action will improve peace and security in communities in the area.