WSRN Trains Young Peacebuilders on Conflict Resolution
By Georgia Mfon
The Women’s Situation Room Nigeria (WSRN) has concluded a one day training programme for youths and women in Cross River State on peacebuilding, conflict resolution and digital peace advocacy, with emphasis on United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2250 and 1325.
The training, themed “Training of Young Men and Women Peacebuilders on Peacebuilding, Conflict Resolution, UNSCR 2250, UNSCR 1325 and Digital Peace Advocacy,” was held at the Police Officers’ Wives Association, POWA, Secretariat Hall, Airport Police Station, Calabar.
In her welcome remarks, the facilitator, Mfreke Asigbe, said the programme was designed to strengthen the capacity of young people to participate meaningfully in peacebuilding, conflict prevention and community level peace efforts.
According to her, the training would equip participants with practical skills in conflict resolution, dialogue, negotiation and peaceful communication, while preparing them to use digital platforms responsibly to promote peace.
She described the training as timely in view of the forthcoming 2027 general elections, noting that young people could play important roles in identifying emerging tensions, mobilising communities, challenging harmful narratives and promoting dialogue.
Asigbe said Nigeria continued to face various forms of conflict and insecurity, including communal and inter ethnic tensions, political violence, violent extremism, farmer herder conflicts, resource disputes and gender based violence.
She stressed the need to equip youths and women, who are often among those most affected by violence, with relevant skills to promote peaceful coexistence and prevent the outbreak of violence.
“Digital platforms can amplify both peace messages and harmful narratives such as misinformation, hate speech and incitement,” she said.
Asigbe said WSRN monitors elections from a gender perspective and commenced operations in Cross River State in 2023.
She explained that the organisation had conducted research in Calabar South and Calabar Municipality to understand the dynamics of violence before, during and after elections.
She added that WSRN had trained women observers across the 18 local government areas of the state to monitor elections and provide real time reports.
She said the organisers were deliberate in selecting participants from different institutions and organisations to promote inclusion and make the training interactive.
A representative of the Girl Guides, Patience Okon, said the organisation focuses on girls and young women by providing them with guidance and training in entrepreneurship, teamwork and community service.
Also speaking, Abigail Eyo of Girls Power Initiative said the organisation provides girls with training and mentorship to help them develop the skills and confidence needed to contribute positively to society.
A representative of Campus Square said the platform provides young people with opportunities to express their views, participate in discussions and receive guidance on issues affecting them.
Speaking on peace and security, Christiana Etim of the Nigerian Red Cross Society said the organisation educates security agencies on International Humanitarian Law and humanitarian principles.
Asigbe also stressed the need for a clear referral pathway to ensure that people facing conflict and other challenges know where to seek help and can access appropriate support.
She said strengthening referral systems would help communities respond more effectively to conflict and ensure that people affected by violence and other challenges receive the necessary assistance.
Participants expressed optimism that the knowledge and skills acquired during the training would enable them to address conflicts in their communities and contribute to preventing election related violence.
One of the participants said, “I want to learn about how I can solve challenges arising in a community in terms of conflict.”
Another participant said, “My expectation for this training is to practically learn the latest developments around how to curb or correct electoral violence.”
The programme was organised by WSRN under the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, WILPF, Nigeria, with support from NORAD.
