The Women for Positive Peacebuilding Initiative (WOPPI) has received representatives of Anchor for Life Support And Resilience (ALSAR), an organisation based in Maiduguri, Borno State, for discussions on strengthening protection systems, promoting child rights and addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Plateau State.
The engagement, according to WOPPI, focused on identifying areas of mutual interest and exploring practical opportunities for collaboration to improve community-level protection mechanisms and promote safer, more inclusive communities.
The meeting underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in addressing protection concerns affecting women and children, particularly through coordinated interventions, stakeholder engagement and stronger referral pathways for survivors of abuse and violence.
During the discussions, both organisations explored several areas for possible joint action, including participation in the forthcoming 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign that mobilises stakeholders to raise awareness and intensify efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
WOPPI and ALSAR also considered opportunities for collaborative interventions in communities across Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, with particular attention to promoting children’s rights, safeguarding their welfare and strengthening community awareness of child protection issues.
On Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, the engagement highlighted the need to strengthen prevention and awareness initiatives, improve responses to reported cases and enhance referral pathways to ensure survivors can access appropriate support and protection services.
The discussions further emphasised the importance of building effective networks among civil society organisations and relevant government institutions to improve coordination and avoid fragmented interventions.
As part of its commitment to strengthening the partnership, WOPPI pledged to connect ALSAR with relevant organisations and networks operating in Plateau State to facilitate engagement, information sharing and coordinated action.
Among the institutions identified for possible engagement were the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), the Plateau State Ministry of Women Affairs and the Child Rights Network.
The proposed linkages are expected to provide opportunities for ALSAR to engage with relevant stakeholders, understand existing protection structures and explore ways of complementing ongoing efforts to promote peace, protect vulnerable groups and address cases of abuse and exploitation.
In a practical demonstration of its commitment to collaboration, WOPPI also offered ALSAR access to workspace within its office whenever required.
The gesture is intended to facilitate closer coordination, ease communication and provide an opportunity for both organisations to sustain engagement as they explore areas of common interest.
The engagement reaffirmed the importance of collaboration among civil society organisations in strengthening community protection structures and advancing the rights and welfare of women and children.
For organisations working in protection and peacebuilding, effective partnerships can help expand access to relevant networks, improve coordination with public institutions and support community-based initiatives that respond to the needs of vulnerable populations.
WOPPI reiterated its commitment to partnerships that translate discussions into practical opportunities for cooperation, noting that stronger connections among organisations can contribute to more effective protection systems and safer communities across Plateau State.
The proposed collaboration with ALSAR represents an opportunity to build institutional relationships and explore joint approaches to child protection, SGBV prevention and response, and broader community resilience.
Both organisations’ engagement reflects the value of collective action in addressing protection challenges and strengthening the systems that safeguard the rights, dignity and wellbeing of women and children.
