By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The Network of Nigerian Women Mediators (NNWM) has strengthened community-based mechanisms for conflict prevention, early warning, mediation and timely response to emerging threats in Naka, Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
The initiative, implemented under the RWVL Project with support from Global Affairs Canada and ActionAid Nigeria, is also aimed at strengthening the capacity of women to participate effectively in peacebuilding and conflict prevention at the community level.
Speaking at the launch of the Early Warning and Early Response (EWAR) Centre/Women-led Peace Hub in Naka, Benue State Coordinator of NNWM, Mrs Magdalena Igbazua, said the initiative would improve coordination among key stakeholders involved in peacebuilding.
According to her, the programme provides an opportunity for stakeholders to understand the functions of the EWAR Centre, identify existing peace structures and referral pathways, and agree on practical measures to strengthen collaboration among communities, government institutions, traditional authorities, women mediators and security agencies.
Igbazua said women mediators were particularly important to early warning systems because they are often well positioned to identify changes in community relationships, rumours, threats, domestic tensions and other warning signs that could escalate into wider conflicts.
“The EWAR Centre/Women-led Peace Hub serves as a safe and accessible platform through which community members and peace actors can report emerging conflict risks, protection concerns and other issues that could affect community safety and social cohesion,” she said.
She added that NNWM was building a network of women capable of supporting conflict prevention, mediation and dialogue, as well as referring emerging security concerns to relevant authorities.
Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Council, Victor Ormin, pledged the council’s support for the EWAR Centre and promised stronger collaboration between the initiative and relevant local government departments.
Ormin said the council would encourage stakeholders to participate in peacebuilding, mediation and conflict-prevention activities, describing the initiative as an important community-based mechanism for identifying and reporting potential conflicts before they escalate.
Traditional leaders at the event also pledged to support the effective operation of the centre by promoting peaceful coexistence, dialogue and responsible reporting of emerging threats.
They further committed to discouraging rumours, hate speech and misinformation capable of heightening tensions, while encouraging communities to use traditional dispute-resolution mechanisms to address minor disagreements.
Women mediators, on their part, pledged to remain actively involved in identifying and reporting early signs of conflict, mobilising women for peacebuilding activities and encouraging greater female participation in community decision-making and peace processes.
The event climaxed with the official launch of the EWAR Centre/Women-led Peace Hub, with stakeholders urged to translate their commitments into practical measures for sustainable peace.
Participants included representatives of government, traditional institutions, women mediators, community groups, security agencies and other peacebuilding stakeholders.
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