Women’s Summit 2024: Plateau Govt prioritizes gender equality with ₦2.5b budget
By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
The Plateau State Government has reiterated its commitment to gender inclusivity through substantial budget allocations and the appointment of women to key leadership positions.
This dedication highlights ongoing efforts to empower women across various sectors, with a focus on advancing women’s rights and promoting gender equality.
Speaking at the two-day Women’s Summit, led by the Development Initiative of West Africa (DIWA) under the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA) in Jos, Plateau State, Sunday Dondbim, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, revealed the government’s continuous efforts to foster a more inclusive society for women.
The summit, themed “Empowering Voices and Advancing Women’s Rights within Faith and Society,” served as a platform for discussing critical issues
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Representing the Honorable Commissioner, Caroline Panglang Dafur, Dondbim emphasized that gender equality remains a top priority for the Plateau State administration.
He pointed out the significant budget allocations aimed at promoting women’s rights and combating gender-based violence.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of collaboration, recognizing the pivotal roles civil society organizations like DIWA and JISRA play in advancing these initiatives.
He explained “Our administration is committed to inclusiveness and is actively working to empower women. With roles such as the deputy governor, head of service, and several commissioners held by women, we are showing that gender equality is a core value of this government.
“This year, we defended a budget of ₦1.3 billion for gender-related activities, and for 2025, a ₦2.5 billion budget has already been defended. These funds allow us to reach women across Plateau State, including through the Widows College in Mangu, where 285 women have received training and empowerment. Our initiatives are also attracting collaborations from other states including Enugu, ibadan and even internationally, underscoring the far-reaching impact of these efforts.”
“The government cannot achieve these objectives alone, which is why we greatly value the contributions of partners such as JISRA, who have been working in Plateau for nearly four years. Their work, alongside other civil society organizations present today, is vital in amplifying our initiatives and bringing essential training and awareness to women across all 17 local government areas.”
In her keynote address, Mrs. Celina Ali, President of the National Council for Women’s Societies in Plateau State, underscored the indispensable role women play in promoting religious freedom and peace. She emphasized the necessity of including women in decision-making processes regarding these critical issues.
“Throughout history, women have been agents of change and peacebuilders within their families and communities, transcending religious and ethnic divides. In the face of growing extremism, women continue to hold pivotal roles in fostering peace and mutual respect. Empowered women are the foundation of inclusive and resilient communities,” Mrs. Ali stated.
She called for tangible policy actions, urging for increased support for women-led initiatives and enhanced legal protections. “Governments and religious institutions must ensure women’s representation in discussions on freedom of religion and belief, prioritizing funding and support for women-led peacebuilding efforts. Is essential. Sustainable peace cannot be realized without the active and equal participation of women in promoting tolerance, dialogue, and understanding,” she emphasized.
Halima Ibrahim Saleh, a representative for women with disabilities, addressed the unique challenges they face, such as stigma in marriage and discrimination in employment opportunities.
She pointed out how women with disabilities are often overlooked despite their capabilities, due to a lack of financial support. Saleh expressed gratitude for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in programs like JISRA, noting that these initiatives provide hope and demonstrate that their contributions are valued.
Following the discussions and presentations at the Women’s Summit, Habila Mohamed Kudu, the Project Officer of DIWA, highlighted the event’s significance in promoting women’s rights and freedom of religion or belief. Kudu reaffirmed the importance of collaboration among diverse groups to amplify women’s voices and ensure their participation in decisions that affect societal coexistence.
The summit brought together women leaders, activists, and stakeholders from Plateau and Kaduna States, fostering critical discussions on freedom of religion and belief, human rights, and peacebuilding. It reinforced the essential role women play in advocating for coexistence, tolerance, and equality, fostering a collective commitment to drive meaningful change for a more inclusive future.