Legal Practitioner engages women on their role in peaceful coexistence in Plateau State

Yitkyim Leah Datong (Esq) has engaged about one hundred young women across communities of Plateau State towards contributing to sustainable peace in the State. The engagement which held in Jos is a two-day engagement with the theme: “Mobilising Young Women to Contribute their Brightness to Peace Building Efforts”; aimed at harnessing the various gifts young women have towards applied practical application in their respective homes, neighbourhood and the larger society.

Participants at the event were drawn from communities of Bukuru in Jos South, Bassa, Barkin-Ladi, Jos North LGAs held in Jos the State capital.

Datong said, “It is my honour to welcome you to ‘The Firefly Effect’ a 2-day workshop which aims to mobilize young women to contribute their brightness to peacebuilding efforts especially in Nigeria.

She said the project which is powered by the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP) and the International Organisation for Peacebuilding and Social Justice (PSJ) has received over 500 applications but about hundred people were considered in the first phase of the two day engagement.

She noted that the rational behind the initiative ‘The Firefly Effect’, which symbolises illumination (light), seek to mobilise each tiny light to contribute to a greater brightness of the society and the nation in general.

“It is our sincere desire to empower the unique young women in this room by highlighting their strengths and abilities which will collectively create a brighter, more peaceful, community. We will together illuminate the path towards positive change”, She explained.

According to her, the project marks the commencement of what will be a series geared towards harnessing the powerful potential and productivity of women in peacebuilding and more so through mentorship for peacebuilding.

“We gather with purpose and passion, fueled by the belief that each woman possesses a unique light that, when combined, creates a radiant glow capable of dispelling darkness and fostering empowerment.

“In the realm of ‘The Firefly Effect,’ we embrace the dual mission of gender-based empowerment and peace-building.

“We recognize the transformative power of empowering women, especially focusing on financial literacy as a step towards financial independence and a tool for gender inclusivity, as a catalyst for sustainable peace”, she maintained.

She further stated that the ‘Firefly Effect’ is not just a project; but a movement, committed to championing financial literacy, empowerment, equality, and peace in the country.

“Our conviction is that every small action and every flicker of light contributes to a collective brilliance that transcends boundaries and brings forth positive change.

“So as we embark on this journey, let us celebrate the strength within diversity and the resilience that defines our shared humanity”, Datong admonished.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the International Organisation for Peacebuilding and Social Justice (PSJ) Ishaya Inuwa represented by Mr. Sam Odeh noted that women are victims of most of the societal misunderstanding as women and children are the categories of persons often seen inside IDPs camps.

He maintained that equipping the participants with the right knowledge and tools will help immensely in addressing economic challenges, social plight and peaceful environment for the collective progress of the state, the region and the country at large.

Some of the participants at the event, Mariyam Ibrahim and Mrs. Blessing Chidimma, both expressed gratitude for the opportunity and promised to make good used of the knowledge gathered at the workshop for the sustainability of peace in their respective homes and communities.