Building Peace Through Inclusion: OCDI Inaugurates Women, Peace and Security Local Action Plan Committee in Baruten

Real peace begins when women have a voice where decisions are made. Peacebuilding is most effective when the people affected by conflict and insecurity have opportunities to contribute to the decisions that shape their lives. Women play important roles in promoting peace, strengthening community relationships, and preventing conflict. Yet, their voices and perspectives are not always adequately represented in decision-making processes. Recognising the importance of inclusive peacebuilding, Olive Community Development Initiative (OCDI) convened stakeholders in Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara State, to inaugurate the Local Action Plan (LAP) Committee on Women, Peace and Security. Strengthening Local Ownership of Women, Peace and Security The inauguration marks an important step towards strengthening local commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda and promoting a more coordinated approach to peacebuilding and conflict prevention at the community level. The Local Action Plan Committee provides a platform for stakeholders to work collaboratively towards advancing the participation of women in peace and security processes and ensuring that the needs, experiences, and perspectives of women and girls are considered in local peacebuilding efforts. By bringing stakeholders together, the initiative reinforces the importance of local ownership and shared responsibility in translating commitments to women’s participation and protection into practical action. Putting Women and Girls at the Centre of Peacebuilding Women and girls have important perspectives and experiences that can contribute to preventing conflict, strengthening community resilience, and building sustainable peace. Their meaningful participation in decision-making helps ensure that peace and security initiatives are more inclusive and responsive to community needs. Through this engagement, OCDI continues to support efforts to strengthen collaboration among local stakeholders and promote an approach to peacebuilding that recognises women as active participants and contributors, rather than merely recipients of protection. The inauguration of the LAP Committee represents an opportunity to sustain dialogue, encourage collective action, and strengthen local structures working towards peace, security, and gender inclusion in Baruten LGA. Turning Commitment into Action Building lasting peace requires more than statements of support. It requires collaboration, accountability, sustained engagement, and a commitment to ensuring that women have meaningful opportunities to influence decisions affecting their communities. OCDI remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote inclusive participation, strengthen local action, and advance the role of women and girls in peacebuilding and conflict prevention. Building peace starts with all of us. By working together to ensure that women’s voices are heard and their contributions valued, communities can take meaningful steps towards a more inclusive and peaceful future. Join the conversation: What more can communities do to ensure women have a meaningful voice in peace and security decisions?