Voices of Peace: Advancing Women's Peace Security in Benue State.

The Voices of Peace project was a flagship peacebuilding initiative implemented by Elohim Development Foundation (EDF) under the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) Programme. The project advanced the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda by strengthening women's leadership, participation, and influence in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and community governance across conflict-affected communities in Benue State.

Implemented in alignment with the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, Nigeria's National Action Plan, and the Benue State Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, the project sought to bridge the gap between policy and practice by empowering women to become active contributors to peacebuilding and decision-making processes at the community level.

Project Approach

EDF adopted an evidence-based and community-driven approach that combined research, leadership development, advocacy, institutional engagement, and mentorship to strengthen women's participation in peace and security while fostering sustainable community resilience.

Risk and Resilience Assessment

The project commenced with a comprehensive Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA) across nine conflict-affected Local Government Areas in Benue State. Using household surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and participatory community engagement, EDF generated locally driven evidence that informed project planning and intervention design. The assessment captured the perspectives of women, youth, internally displaced persons, persons with disabilities, traditional rulers, community leaders, and security stakeholders, ensuring that project activities responded to the realities of each community.

Women's Leadership and Capacity Strengthening

A major achievement of the project was the training of 180 Women Peacebuilders drawn from Benue State's three senatorial districts. Participants enhanced their knowledge and practical skills in conflict analysis, mediation, advocacy, leadership, Early Warning and Early Response (EWER), trauma awareness, and the Women, Peace and Security agenda. These women were equipped to serve as peace champions, advocates, and community leaders capable of influencing local peace processes and promoting inclusive decision-making.

Networks of Women Peace Advocates

To sustain momentum beyond the project's implementation period, EDF facilitated the establishment of Networks of Women Peace Advocates (NoWPA). These networks created platforms for collaboration, peer learning, mentorship, advocacy, and collective action, enabling women to continue driving peacebuilding initiatives and supporting one another within their communities.

Community-Led Local Action Plans

Recognizing that sustainable peace requires local ownership, EDF worked alongside women leaders, traditional institutions, government representatives, security agencies, and civil society organizations to co-create Local Action Plans (LAPs). These plans translated the principles of the Women, Peace and Security agenda into practical community priorities and provided locally owned roadmaps for advancing peace, security, and gender inclusion.

Institutional Engagement and Advocacy

Throughout the project, EDF strengthened collaboration between communities and institutional stakeholders through policy dialogues, advocacy meetings, and multi-stakeholder engagements. The project fostered stronger partnerships among local governments, traditional authorities, women's groups, civil society organizations, and security actors, creating greater recognition of women's contributions to peacebuilding and governance.

Strategic Communications

Strategic communication formed an integral part of the project. Through newsletters, advocacy campaigns, media engagement, and public awareness initiatives, EDF amplified women's voices, promoted positive peace narratives, and increased public understanding of the Women, Peace and Security agenda. These efforts encouraged broader community ownership of inclusive peacebuilding and strengthened support for women's leadership in conflict prevention.

Project Coverage

The Voices of Peace project was implemented across nine Local Government Areas representing Benue State's three senatorial districts:

Zone A (Benue North-East)

• Katsina-Ala

• Logo

• Ukum

Zone B (Benue North-West)

• Buruku

• Guma

• Gwer West

Zone C (Benue South)

• Agatu

• Okpokwu

• Otukpo

These locations were selected because of their conflict dynamics and the need to strengthen women's participation in local peacebuilding, community security, and governance processes.

Key Achievements

The project recorded significant milestones that continue to strengthen community resilience and women's leadership in peacebuilding across Benue State.

Highlights include:

• Conducted a comprehensive Risk and Resilience Assessment across nine conflict-affected Local Government Areas.

• Trained 180 Women Peacebuilders across Benue State's three senatorial districts.

• Established Networks of Women Peace Advocates (NoWPA) to sustain women's leadership and collaboration.

• Facilitated the development of community-owned Local Action Plans (LAPs) for the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

• Strengthened collaboration between women leaders, traditional institutions, government agencies, civil society organizations, and security stakeholders.

• Increased awareness and local ownership of the Women, Peace and Security agenda through advocacy, mentorship, and strategic communications.

• Enhanced women's participation in community peacebuilding, dialogue, and conflict prevention processes.

Lasting Impact

Although the Voices of Peace project has been completed, its impact continues through the strengthened capacity of women peacebuilders, active Networks of Women Peace Advocates, and locally owned peacebuilding structures established during implementation. By investing in women's leadership, fostering institutional collaboration, and promoting inclusive approaches to peace and security, the project laid a strong foundation for sustained community resilience, gender-responsive peacebuilding, and the continued advancement of the Women, Peace and Security agenda in Benue State