Institutionalizing WPS Systems for Inclusive Peace, Survivor Protection & Community Resilience in Benue State

Elohim Development Foundation (EDF) is implementing a 24-month Women, Peace and Security (WPS) project in Benue State under the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (Nigeria SPRiNG) Programme, supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and implemented by Tetra Tech.

The project is designed to strengthen systems and institutions that promote inclusive peace, protect survivors of violence, increase women's participation in peace and decision-making processes, and build community resilience.

Why This Project Matters

Benue State continues to experience conflict, displacement, communal tensions, competition over land and natural resources, and livelihood insecurity.

These challenges can disproportionately affect women, young people and persons with disabilities, increasing their exposure to violence and exclusion while limiting their access to decision-making, protection and justice services.

The project responds by strengthening the systems that enable women and young people to participate meaningfully in peacebuilding, improving survivor-centred protection and referral systems, strengthening community peace structures, and expanding women's economic resilience.

Our Four Areas of Focus

1. WPS Governance and Institutional Systems

EDF will support the review and implementation of the Benue State WPS Action Plan and the operationalisation of Local Action Plans in Guma, Katsina-Ala and Buruku.

The project will strengthen SAPIC/LAPIC structures, support the Network of Women Peace Ambassadors and Women Mediators Network, and strengthen institutional capacity for WPS implementation.

2. Survivor Protection and Access to Justice

The project will strengthen SGBV and CRSV referral pathways and coordination among health, justice, security and social welfare institutions.

It will also support survivor-centred and trauma-informed case management, psychosocial counselling, legal aid and community awareness on prevention, reporting and available support services.

3. Community Resilience and Social Cohesion

EDF will support inclusive community dialogues, strengthen community peace structures, promote positive social norms and engage men and communities in preventing violence.

The project will promote locally led approaches that strengthen social cohesion and resilience.

4. Women's Economic Empowerment and Resilience

Women affected by conflict will be supported through livelihood and economic empowerment initiatives, including Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), entrepreneurship development, financial literacy, business mentoring and market linkages.

These interventions connect economic resilience with women's participation and leadership in peacebuilding.

GEDSI at the Centre

Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) is integrated throughout the project.

EDF will promote meaningful participation of women, young people and persons with disabilities through inclusive planning, accessible activities, targeted outreach and disaggregated data collection.

Survivor-centred principles, including confidentiality, informed consent, safety and dignity, will guide protection-related interventions.

Conflict-Sensitive Implementation

The project applies a Do No Harm and conflict-sensitive approach throughout implementation.

Regular conflict analysis, community consultation, transparent beneficiary selection and participatory decision-making will help ensure that activities respond to local realities while reducing the risk of unintended harm or exclusion.

Sustainability

The project is designed to strengthen existing government and community systems rather than create parallel structures.

Sustainability will be supported through:

Our Vision

Through SPRiNG, EDF is working towards a Benue State where women and young people can participate meaningfully in peace and governance, survivors can access protection and justice, communities can prevent and manage conflict, and women have stronger economic opportunities and resilience.

We believe sustainable peace is built when institutions and communities work together to protect, include and empower everyone.

Read the Full Story

EDF Commences Benue State Women, Peace and Security Project

Read the full story of the project's inception meeting, its objectives, approach, partnerships and vision for sustainable peace in Benue State.

[READ THE FULL BLOG POST →] https://elohimdevelopmentfoundation.blogspot.com/2026/08/institutionalizing-women-peace-and.html