EU-IDEA Join Plateau State to Mark International Women’s Day 2025

The Plateau State Government, in collaboration with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) under the EU-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme Phase II, today marked International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 with a series of activities aimed at advocating for gender equality and addressing sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), workplace […]

The Plateau State Government, in collaboration with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) under the EU-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme Phase II, today marked International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 with a series of activities aimed at advocating for gender equality and addressing sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), workplace discrimination, and child trafficking.

Themed Accelerate Action, this year’s IWD commemoration brought together government officials, civil society organizations, religious and traditional leaders, and community members to dialogue on strengthening policies and interventions that protect women, children, and other vulnerable groups in society.

The event commenced with a sensitization walk through key locations in Jos. Participants carried placards and distributed Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials with messages promoting women’s rights and protection against violence. The walk aimed to engage the public and encourage societal commitment to addressing gender-based issues.

Speaking during the walk, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Caroline Dafur, emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to eliminate SGBV and discrimination against women and children in Plateau.

“Women and children remain some of the most vulnerable groups in our society. We must all work together to accelerate action, ensuring that they receive the protection and support they need,” she stated.

Following the walk, a stakeholder symposium was held, providing a platform for discussions on critical issues affecting women’s rights. Panelists included representatives from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, and non-state actors.

Discussions focused on policy reforms, institutional responses to SGBV, and strengthening support systems for survivors. A key highlight was the commitment from government and civil society organizations to improve legal aid services and increase public awareness of available reporting mechanisms for abuse and violence.

Speaking at the event, Pwankei Dala, RoLAC State Coordinator, reaffirmed International IDEA’s commitment to supporting gender equality initiatives through policy advocacy, capacity building, and community engagement.

“International IDEA, through the RoLAC Programme, remains committed to ensuring that women and vulnerable groups have access to justice and protection against violence. The #AccelerateAction theme is a call for all stakeholders to take deliberate steps in addressing these pressing issues,” he said.