Gender: NILDS, UN Women present needs assessment report to govt

The Plateau State government yesterday received the gender commission needs assessment report in furtherance to its quest in setting up of the commission in the state.

The presentation of the report for the commission, which is said to be the first of its kind in West Africa, was made by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), National Assembly, in collaboration with United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and the government of Norway.

Speaking at the event, the consultant and expert who conducted the needs assessment, Dr Plangsat Dayil, said the gender commission will tackle the numerous challenges faced by women and will tremendously boost women capacity for the overall development of the state.

“Plateau State, like many other regions in Nigeria, grapples with significant challenges ranging from gender-based violence, domestic violence, harmful traditional practices, early child marriage, and child labour, which persist in the state.

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“The Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill was passed into law with a Gender Commission to implement and address these concerns. The gender Commission is envisioned to play a pivotal role in advancing gender equality and uplift the underprivileged groups within the state.”

She said through its diverse initiatives and programmes, the commission aims to contribute to the overall development and well-being of Plateau State.

Earlier, representative of the DG NILDS, Prof Sulaiman Abubakar, Dr Lohna Bonkat said the collaborative endeavour marks a significant stride towards fostering an inclusive and gender sensitive governance in Plateau State.

Bonkat said the overall objective of the project is to find out what is needed and provide the appropriate information to support the establishment of the Gender Commission in Plateau State.