#IWD2024: CIEVCW Trains Women in Traditional Councils in Jos, Plateau State

CIEVCW Trains Nigerian Women in Leadership

In a bid to commemorate International Women's Day 2024, the Community Initiative for the Emancipation of Vulnerable Children and Women (CIEVCW) orchestrated a monumental event aimed at empowering women across Plateau State. Held on the 19th and 20th of March in Jos, the 2-day training and sensitization program targeted women involved in traditional councils, marking a significant stride towards gender inclusivity and empowerment.

The Executive Director of the Community Initiative for the Emancipation of Vulnerable Women and Children (CIEVCW), Mrs. Sewuese Surma Isaiah, described the event as a timely intervention, aimed at encouraging women to take up leadership roles, even in traditional councils. Women from Mangu, Riyom and other parts of the state were beneficiaries of the training.

International Women's Day, celebrated globally on March 8th each year, serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women's rights. It's a day to reflect on progress made, to call for change, and to celebrate the achievements of women worldwide. Against this backdrop, the initiative undertaken by CIEVCW echoes the spirit of International Women's Day by actively engaging women in traditionally male-dominated spheres of influence.

One of the pivotal successes preceding this event was the inclusion of women in traditional councils, spearheaded by UN Women in collaboration with local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on the Plateau. Recognizing the importance of this achievement, the Community Initiative took it a step further by organizing women into a cohesive network. This strategic move aimed to amplify their impact, foster solidarity, and facilitate the exchange of experiences for greater effectiveness in their roles.

The training sessions featured a lineup of experienced and resourceful trainers, including distinguished personalities such as Prof. Mafwil, Ngo Florence Jambol, Da Gyang Dalyop, Dr. Hajiya Fatima, and others. These trainers analyzed a diverse range of topics, all in alignment with the commemoration of International Women's Day 2024.

Chief Ngo Florence Jambol, a trailblazer in her own right as the first Berom woman to be formally coronated and bestowed with a title, delivered a compelling address during the training. Drawing from her own journey, she emphasized the evolving landscape of traditional councils, where women are progressively breaking stereotypes and claiming their rightful positions. She encouraged women to demonstrate readiness for leadership roles by fostering focus, overcoming low self-esteem, and exhibiting a profound understanding of community bye-laws.

On the second day of the event, Da Gyang Dudu Dalyop, Coordinator of HeForShe, Plateau State, and President of the Berom Educational Cultural Organization Worldwide, shed light on the historical contributions of women in leadership positions. Engaging participants in an interactive session, he facilitated discussions on cultural practices and traditions, juxtaposing them with the realities of modernization, particularly in the context of North-Central Nigeria.

The training and sensitization program not only provided women with invaluable knowledge and skills but also served as a platform for networking and solidarity-building. Through the continuous engagement and harnessing the collective strength of women within traditional councils, the Community Initiative for the Emancipation of Vulnerable Children and Women is catalyzing positive change and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society