In the face of socio-economic challenges faced by women and girls in Plateau state, Hon. Caroline Panglang Dafur, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, provides a direction towards economic recovery and veritable action plans for elevating this demographic sector’s potentials in commemoration of International Women’s Day where stakeholders in Plateau State came together for a strategic dialogue aimed at accelerating the empowerment of women and girls.
The event, with the theme “Accelerating Gender Equality and Empowerment” emphasized the importance of addressing poverty and strengthening institutions with a gender perspective. According to Hon Dafur “women and girls in Plateau state tolerate the impact of economic hardship, usually compounded by socio-cultural stereotypes and systemic limitations. Economic recovery thus necessitates a deliberate and strategic approach towards empowering women and girls”. This is a feat Hon Dafur intends to achieve through targeted programs and initiatives, ensuring an inclusive, sustainable pathway out of economic stagnation.
Representatives from various sectors, including women cluster groups, private sector entities, and development partners, gathered for the roundtable discussion. Notable attendees included women business groups from all 17 local government areas, tribal women’s groups, and representatives from organizations such as PIDAN, PLASMIDA, GIZ SEDIN, Women for Women International, and the Norwegian Refugee Council.
The dialogue centered on clustering development partners to foster synergy and develop a realistic work plan for women and girls’ empowerment in Plateau State. Key areas of focus included enhancing access to economic opportunities, education, healthcare, and promoting women’s rights and security.
The inclusion of representatives from the Women Peace and Security Network and persons living with disabilities underscored the commitment to inclusivity and addressing the needs of marginalized groups.
Through vocational training, entrepreneurship, health improvement, and girls’ education, Plateau State stands to usher in a future enriched by the profound impacts of women’s empowerment. Pioneering initiatives such as this serve as precedents for other regions and countries seeking to drive their socio-economic development through similar paradigms.
Facilitated by the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, the dialogue concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to collaborate effectively in advancing the socioeconomic status of women and girls across the state. This collaborative effort aims to contribute significantly to the broader goal of achieving gender equality and empowerment for all.
May God crown your efforts with success
Amen