For decades, women and girls have remained underrepresented in peace and security decision-making processes, despite bearing a disproportionate burden of conflict and insecurity. In Niger State, the impacts of banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, youth unrest, and climate-related shocks have been deeply felt, particularly by women and children. Yet, even in the face of these challenges, women have consistently demonstrated resilience and leadership in peacebuilding efforts at the community level.
The Niger State Action Plan (NSAP) reflects the government’s strong commitment to addressing these gendered dimensions of conflict while harnessing the transformative potential of women’s full and equal participation. It reinforces the principle that sustainable peace is unattainable without the meaningful inclusion of women across all levels of governance and decision-making.
Developed through an extensive and inclusive consultative process spanning all 25 Local Government Areas, the NSAP brings together diverse stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, women-led organisations, youth groups, and persons with disabilities. The leadership of the Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development, alongside the technical support of PWAN, ensured that the plan reflects the lived realities and aspirations of the people.
At the heart of the NSAP is an ambitious yet achievable target: increasing women’s representation in peacebuilding and governance structures to at least 30% in all conflict-affected LGAs by 2027. To achieve this, the plan is anchored on six strategic pillars—Prevention; Protection and Access to Justice; Participation and Representation; Relief and Recovery; Promotion; and Coordination and Partnership.
Together, these pillars provide a comprehensive roadmap for addressing the root causes of conflict, safeguarding the rights of women and girls, and ensuring their active and sustained participation in peace and security processes.
