Stakeholders in environmental conservation, climate change, conflict and peacebuilding have urged women to drive local initiatives across communities in Sokoto State.
They made the call on Friday during the training and inauguration of the Platform for Women in Climate Change under the PPCA II project.
Participants received skills to mobilise peers and implement grassroots peacebuilding and climate resilience initiatives.
The project is anchored by International Alert, with support from Irish Aid and Jirehdo Foundation in Sokoto State.
Mr Faruk Usman, Senior Project Officer at International Alert, said the initiative aimed to promote peace, strengthen community resilience and advance climate action.
“It is part of the continuous move to work closely with government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations and private sector actors,” he said.
He said the collaboration would address the intersection between climate challenges and peacebuilding across Sokoto State and its communities.
“This women-led platform provides a dedicated space for women in Sokoto State to champion climate-resilient solutions and peacebuilding,” Usman said.
He urged participants to promote a culture of peace, encourage communities to embrace peaceful coexistence and strengthen relationships among residents.
Usman also urged them to share their knowledge and promote environmental restoration through tree planting, nurturing and environmentally friendly practices.
Hauwa’u Umar-Jabo, Director of Women at the Sokoto State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, described the initiative as vital to societal progress.
She said the platform recognised women’s important contributions to community activities and their potential to influence positive change.
Mrs A’isha Kaoje, Director of Prosecution at the Sokoto State Ministry of Justice, urged women to support efforts against gender-based violence and other social vices.
Kaoje also encouraged participants to challenge misconceptions and promote safer, more peaceful communities through advocacy and collective action.
Umar-Jabo assured that she would mobilise more women to support the platform and its initiatives across communities in the state.
She said addressing climate change and strengthening conflict-resolution mechanisms would improve the wellbeing of women and society in general.
Sani Umar-Jabbi, District Head of Gagi, said women, as family builders, had significant roles in conflict resolution and climate action.
Umar-Jabbi noted that resource-management challenges affected entire families, but women often bore greater consequences because of household cooking practices.
He said women were particularly exposed to the effects of firewood use and other traditional cooking methods.
Mr Wesley Ahura, representing Jirehdo Foundation, urged women to encourage eco-friendly cooking methods, smart farming and climate-smart technologies.
He said adopting sustainable practices within households could help communities reduce environmental pressures while improving livelihoods and resilience.
Dr Maryam Mainasara, Senior Lecturer at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, led practical sessions on conflict solutions, resource management and advocacy priorities.
She urged participants to educate others, stimulate interest, create opportunities and provide solutions to conflict and climate-related challenges.
“More awareness and attention are needed from government agencies, policymakers and community members on conflict triggers,” Mainasara said.
She identified livelihood and income changes, weather and temperature shifts, changing rainfall patterns and flooding as issues requiring greater public attention.
Mainasara stressed the need for increased women’s participation in climate-change initiatives, saying their involvement would promote conservation and healthier living.
She urged women to use their community influence to advance environmental protection, peaceful coexistence and practical responses to climate-related challenges.
A cross-section of youths at the event pledged to champion conflict-resolution and climate-resilience initiatives while mobilising additional resources for community action.
They also pledged to strengthen advocacy and support women-led initiatives addressing climate change, peacebuilding and other challenges affecting local communities.
