CCN, JDPC Jos mobilise women, Youths, PWDs for civic engagement in Plateau

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), in partnership with the Social Justice and Human Development for Peace Initiatives (JDPC Jos), has strengthened civic awareness and grassroots participation among women, young people and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The initiative was implemented through a two-day engagement on human rights and civic responsibilities involving 40 participants from Nkiedowro and Zirshe, two communities affected by crises in the local government area.

The activity was supported by Christian Aid under its Community-Led Peacebuilding Signature Programme through the PeARLS Project, which focuses on Peacebuilding, Accountability, Resilience and Local Solutions.

The engagement aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of their civic rights and responsibilities while building their confidence to participate in community governance, decision-making and peacebuilding processes.

It also sought to strengthen the voices of groups that are often marginalised in community affairs, particularly women, youths and persons with disabilities.

During the sessions, facilitators used simplified civic education modules delivered in local languages, alongside group discussions and practical exercises, to make the learning process accessible and encourage active participation.

Participants discussed challenges affecting their communities and explored practical ways citizens could contribute to decisions, policies and initiatives that shape their lives.

The approach provided an opportunity for community members to examine the relationship between civic awareness, accountability and peaceful coexistence, particularly in areas affected by conflict.

At the conclusion of the engagement, participants expressed a collective commitment to become more actively involved in community-level decision-making and policy formulation.

The commitment underscored the importance of equipping residents with the knowledge and confidence to engage constructively with community leadership and other relevant stakeholders.

The PeARLS Project adopts a community-led approach to peacebuilding, recognising that informed citizens and inclusive participation are essential to strengthening democratic governance, promoting accountability and building resilient communities.

Through its collaboration with JDPC Jos and Christian Aid, CCN continues to support efforts to ensure that women, young people and persons with disabilities have a stronger voice in identifying local challenges and shaping sustainable solutions.

The initiative reflects the broader objective of promoting peaceful and resilient communities by encouraging citizens to understand their rights, fulfil their responsibilities and participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their collective wellbeing.