The State Action Plan Implementation Committee (SAPIC) on Women, Peace and Security in Plateau State has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the implementation of the Third Plateau State Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.
The commitment was made during the committee’s quarterly meeting, which brought together members and key stakeholders to review progress, identify challenges and explore practical measures to improve implementation.
Speaking at the meeting, Executive Director of Women for Positive Peacebuilding Initiative (WOPPI),Lantana Abdullahi, commended members for their commitment to the five-pillar Action Plan but warned that non-performing members would be replaced.
She also announced an extension of WOPPI’s programme activities, saying the organisation would expand its interventions to Bassa, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas, with a particular focus on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
“WOPPI is going to be working in three Local Government Areas, Bassa, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi, particularly in addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence,” Abdullahi said.
She disclosed that a committee would be established to address SGBV in collaboration with the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, particularly to strengthen referral mechanisms and support for survivors.
According to her, an assessment would also be conducted to ensure that SAPIC membership adequately covers all five pillars of the State Action Plan.
She added that Persons with Disabilities and youth-led organisations would be brought on board to strengthen inclusion and broaden representation within the committee.
Also speaking, Director of Women Affairs, Plateau State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Maureen Dakim, urged members to remain committed and intentional in delivering on the mandate of the committee.
Dakim appreciated WOPPI for its continued support and disclosed that the Ministry had made budgetary provisions to support the implementation of SAPIC activities.
The meeting, held under the SPRING Programme, also examined critical issues affecting women and communities across Plateau State.
These included women’s participation in politics and decision-making, women’s inclusion in community leadership, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, human trafficking, the impact of mining on women and communities, and women’s economic participation, business growth and access to funding.
Stakeholders shared progress, highlighted implementation challenges and discussed practical solutions to strengthen collective action.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, traditional leaders and other stakeholders in advancing the goals of the Third Plateau State Action Plan.
Participants further stressed the need to keep women’s voices and lived experiences at the centre of peacebuilding, security, leadership and efforts to build safer and more resilient communities across Plateau State.
