Stakeholders in Imo State have commenced the process of drafting a policy that would encourage active women involvement in peace-building, conflict prevention, resolution and security initiatives in the state.

The initiative, facilitated by Alliances for Africa (AFA), with support from African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), according to the organisers, is aimed at localising Nigeria’s Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAP) through the development of a State Action Plan (SAP) in Imo.

Speaking at the maiden meeting of the policy drafting committee, held in Owerri at the weekend, the AFA’s Executive Director, Ms Ihuoma Obibi, said: “The goal is to strengthen women’s leadership capacity, support their active role in community peace-building, and ensure their meaningful participation in conflict prevention, resolution, and post-conflict governance.”

Obibi, represented by a board member, Prince Sam Ezeanyika charged the stakeholders, including community leaders, government officials, heads of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), leaders of human rights women and youths groups, media practitioners, among others, to actively participate towards achieving the goal, adding: “Our mission is to ensure that women’s voices are at the forefront of peace and security discussions at the local level.”

Also, outlining the objectives of the project, AFA’s Director of Programmes, Ms Blessing Duru, said that the policy, when completely drafted and adopted, would, among other benefits, enhance participation of women and gender-diverse groups in local peace-building and security efforts, resulting in measurable growth in women’s leadership and influence within community decision-making processes and gender- responsive strategies.