The Palang Kasmi Initiative has called on governments, traditional institutions, religious organisations and development partners to give women a greater role in peacebuilding, saying their participation is critical to achieving lasting peace and sustainable development.
The appeal was made during an online Peace Dialogue Series organised to commemorate the 2026 World Population Day. The programme, held via Google Meet, was themed “The Role of Women in Peacebuilding: Sharing Personal Experiences.”
The dialogue brought together women leaders, journalists, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to examine practical ways of strengthening peace through women’s active participation in conflict prevention, mediation and reconciliation.
Speaking during the event, Mrs. Grace Frank Ojobo, Country Chair of Trefoil Guild Nigeria, and Hajiya Amina Ahmed, Founder and Executive Director of the Women Initiative for Sustainable Community Development (WISCOD), said women have consistently played vital roles in promoting peace within families and communities.
The speakers noted that women often serve as mediators, caregivers and advocates for dialogue, making their inclusion in peacebuilding processes not only beneficial but essential for sustainable conflict resolution.
They maintained that meaningful peace can only be achieved when women are deliberately involved in decision-making, conflict prevention, reconciliation and post-conflict recovery, urging stakeholders to create more opportunities for women to contribute at all levels.
The virtual dialogue attracted over 20 participants, including the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, Comrade Ayuku Pwaspo, the Vice Chairman, the Council Secretary and other journalists who actively contributed to the discussions.
Participants shared experiences from their communities and recommended stronger collaboration among women, the media, civil society organisations and policymakers to address the root causes of conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.
The Convener of the Palang Kasmi Initiative thanked participants for their contributions and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting peace, social cohesion and inclusive development through sustained dialogue and engagement.
She assured participants that the initiative would continue to provide platforms that amplify women’s voices and strengthen community-based peacebuilding efforts across Nigeria.
The dialogue concluded with a renewed call for the recognition of women not only as victims of conflict but as influential leaders and partners in building peaceful, resilient and inclusive societies.
