The Network of Nigerian Women Mediators (NNWM) has trained women mediators and launched an Early Warning and Response (EWAR) Centre and Women-Led Peace Hubs in Plateau State.
The initiative, implemented under the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership (RWVL) Project and funded by Global Affairs Canada and ActionAid Nigeria, took place on August 31, 2026, at the Peace Orientation & Conference Center, Gwash Lamingo, Jos.
The pilot targets Congo-Russia and Angwa Keke communities in Jos North Local Government Area, where residents face challenges including conflict flashpoints, drug abuse, child neglect and abuse, prostitution and domestic violence.
The initiative seeks to strengthen the capacity of women and community actors to identify early warning signs, report emerging threats, mediate disputes and connect communities with appropriate response structures before conflicts escalate.
The NNWM Coordinator said the initiative was designed to strengthen existing peacebuilding roles already being played by women, rather than create new structures from scratch.
She noted that women have been reporting cases of abuse and conflict and warning residents about potential conflict flashpoints since the establishment of the Network in 2019.
Participants were trained on the practical process of “Notice → Listen and Verify → Assess → Act or Refer → Report → Follow Up,” with emphasis on factual reporting, confidentiality, safety and appropriate referral.
Community leaders and ward heads also highlighted major concerns within the pilot communities, while the Congo-Russia community identified continued Christian-Muslim coexistence as an important peace asset that should be strengthened, particularly among younger generations.
The Chairman of the Plateau State Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN) applauded the initiative and disclosed that PPPN, in collaboration with the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), is developing an Early Warning and Early Response software platform.
He expressed willingness to link the Women-Led Peace Hubs to the platform to strengthen coordination between community-level and state-level peacebuilding mechanisms.
A toll-free reporting line was also introduced, with women participants welcoming it as an additional and safer channel for reporting incidents and emerging concerns.
The launch marked a significant step towards strengthening women-led community early warning, mediation and conflict prevention in Plateau State, with the next phase expected to focus on operationalising the Peace Hubs, strengthening referral pathways and deepening their connection to the wider peace architecture.
