Stakeholders in environmental conservation, climate change, conflict and peace initiatives in Sokoto state have encouraged women to drive local actions on peacebuilding and climate change resilience activities in their communities.
The stakeholders made the call on Friday during the training and inauguration of the Platform for Women in Climate Change under the Powering Peace through Climate Action (PPCA) II project.
The participants were equipped with skills to mobilise peers and implement grassroots initiatives on peaceful coexistence and climate resilience projects across communities in the state.
The project was anchored by an NGO, International Alert, supported by Irish Aid and Jirehdo Foundation in Sokoto state.
The NGO’s Senior Project Officer, Mr Faruk Usman, said the initiative was aimed at promoting peace, strengthening community resilience, and advancing climate action across Sokoto state.
‘’It is part of the continuous move to work closely with government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, and private sector actors to address the intersection of climate challenges and peacebuilding.
“This women-led platform provides a dedicated space for women in Sokoto state to champion climate-resilient solutions and peacebuilding,” he said.
He urged participating women to promote the culture of peace in society, where people would learn to live peacefully with one another.
Usman further encouraged the participants to use the knowledge gained and share it with colleagues to restore green environments through tree planting, nurturing, and environmentally friendly practices.
Hajia Hauwa’u Umar-Jabo, the Director of Women in the Sokoto State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, described the initiative as vital to societal progress in recognition of women’s involvement in community activities.
The Director of Prosecution from Sokoto State Ministry of Justice, Mrs A’isha Kaoje, enjoined women to support actions against gender based violence, misconceptions and other social vices being perpetrated in the society.
Umar-Jabo assured that she would mobilise more women to support the platform and the initiatives, stressing that climate change and conflict resolution mechanisms would uplift the well-being of women and the people in general.
The District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar-Jabbi, said women being family builders have a great role to play in conflict resolution, climate change and associated challenges in society.
Umar-Jabbi said resource management challenges are shared by all family members, and women mostly feel the impact more while cooking for the family using firewood and other means.
In his contribution, Mr Wesley Ahura, from Jirehdo Foundation, encouraged women to support their husbands and family members in using eco-friendly cooking methods, smart farming techniques and climate-smart technologies available in the country.
A Senior Lecturer from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Dr Maryam Mainasara, led participants in practical sessions on conflict solutions and their dynamics, resource management, desirable action priorities and advocacy areas.
Mainasara called on participants to educate others, arouse interest, create opportunities and offer solutions to challenges on conflicts and climate change issues in their respective communities and beyond.
‘’More awareness and attention are needed from government agencies, policymakers and community members on conflict triggers, changes in livelihoods and income, weather, temperature shifts, changing rainfall patterns and flooding,” she said.
She emphasised the need for more women’s involvement in climate change issues, stressing that such involvement will encourage environmental conservation and healthy human living.
A cross-section of youths pledged to champion the cause and mobilise more resources from available avenues on conflict resolution, climate change resilience, advocacy, and support for women-led action agendas.
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