BARKIN LADI, Plateau State — Women mediators in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State have strengthened their understanding of conflict mediation and community peacebuilding through a capacity-building workshop organised by the Women for Positive Peace Building Initiative (WOPPI).
The workshop provided a platform for women to engage in meaningful conversations, share experiences and examine some of the challenges affecting women, children and community wellbeing.
Participants identified kidnapping, child abuse, rape, attacks, killings, child trafficking, insecurity and lack of trust as some of the pressing concerns confronting their communities.
The discussions also explored how dialogue, mediation and collective community action could help prevent conflicts, strengthen protection mechanisms and promote peaceful coexistence.
Speaking during the engagement, the Executive Vice Chairman of Barkin Ladi LGA, Hon. Pam Felix, appreciated WOPPI for the initiative and reaffirmed his administration’s support for the programme.
He acknowledged the important role women play in peacebuilding and community development, while commending efforts aimed at strengthening women’s participation in peace and governance.
Hon. Felix also appreciated the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for promoting women’s inclusion in politics and governance across the state.
He further spoke on efforts to address insecurity and concerns surrounding underage mining, assuring participants of ongoing measures to strengthen the protection of women, children and other vulnerable members of society.
The First Lady of Barkin Ladi LGA, Mrs. Elizabeth Pwajok, also commended WOPPI for bringing the engagement to the Local Government Area.
Mrs. Pwajok drew attention to the issue of underage mining and its implications for children and communities, calling for stronger regulation and measures to prevent children from being exposed to mining activities.
In her remarks, the Executive Director and Pioneer of WOPPI, Hajia Lantana Bako Abdullahi, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening women’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
She emphasised the importance of equipping women with practical knowledge and skills that can be applied in everyday community situations.
According to her, women should see themselves as important actors in building peaceful, resilient and inclusive communities, stressing the value of dialogue, understanding and collective responsibility in resolving conflicts.
A major highlight of the workshop was a practical session on peace mediation, facilitated by Mrs. Justina Mike Ngwobia.
The session introduced participants to the principles of mediation and examined when, how and why mediation can be applied in situations of conflict.
Through practical examples and interactive discussions, participants were encouraged to look beyond the immediate conflict and explore approaches that promote dialogue, understanding and peaceful resolution.
For some participants, the workshop provided learning beyond their expectations, with reflections highlighting the value of practical, community-based knowledge.
Some participants noted that the skills gained were lessons they might never have acquired in a conventional classroom setting.
The engagement forms part of WOPPI’s continuing efforts to create safe and practical spaces where women can share experiences, develop mediation skills and contribute to conflict prevention and peacebuilding within their communities.
The initiative is supported by the SPRING Programme, a UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) initiative, implemented by Tetra Tech International Development, with WOPPI serving as the implementing partner.
UK International Development • Tetra Tech International Development • SPRING • WOPPI
