GIVE PEACE A CHANCE

By Emem Okon
We are concerned about the spate of violence in Rivers state. This is a problem because the frequent occurrence of violence in the state has impacted negatively on the women psychologically, politically, socially and economically. The economic activities of women are particularly affected thereby depriving them of access to food, income earning capability and constitute an abuse of their right to life, security and human dignity. Violent conflict promotes violence against women.

Therefore, in view of building the capacity of women and mobilize them to advocate for peace and non-violence in Rivers state, the Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre with Tere-Ama women organizes a one day Peace March in Tere-Ama community, Rivers State, on Saturday, March 10, 2007 at 10am as part of the activities under the Mothers Against Violence Project.

Recent developments and events are building up to a possible escalation of violent conflict even as the general elections are fast approaching. Rivers state is already noted for political violence and cultist activities and so is considered as a flash point in the forthcoming elections. There are reports of proliferation of small arms; intra/inter party conflict; general state of insecurity in the state. Indiscriminate shooting and killing such as took place on Friday, March 2, 2007 at Diobu are an example of the threats to communities.

The communities in Rivers state including Port Harcourt, Ogbakiri, Okrika, Emohua and several others have had to contend with their plight and live with the terror and horror visited on them by the perpetrators of violence.

We believe that as women, we have a significant role to play in conflict transformation and peace-building, since we bear the brunt of violence as mothers, as wives, as sisters and as friends. The United Nations Resolution 1325 empowers women to participate in conflict resolution and peace-building, with this knowledge we lend our voices for peace , non-violence and the promotion of human rights. We contribute to conflict transformation and peace-building in the state by advocating for peace.

With the Peace March, the women are saying that:

1.Peace-building requires the collective efforts of all members of the society. 2.The Government should pay more attention to issues of peace and security in the state.
3.Churches and religious organizations should promote peace in their activities.
4.Traditional rulers should use their positions to foster peace in their communities.
5.Women should utilize their role as peace mentors in the society.
6.Government at all levels, multinational oil and gas companies, development agencies/commissions including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), private entrepreneurs, etc should encourage talents development and creativity in order to promote self reliance for sustainable livelihood and open the space for more economic opportunities for women and youths.
7.The Federal Government should address the Niger Delta issue positively to ensure a lasting peace in the region.
8.Youths should shun violence and arms proliferation and embrace the culture of peace.
9.The police should promote peace by maintaining law and order and not enhance violence by intimidating citizens.
10.Women are prepared to liaise with Government and other agencies to take concrete steps to address issues of violent conflict through dialogue and initiated peace negotiations.
11.The youths are our future and should not be used or allow themselves to be used as tools for violence and related vices.

Kebetkache is collaborating with other NGOs with support from Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN) to campaign for peace and development in Niger Delta communities.

* Emem J. Okon is the Executive Director, Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre based in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

* Please send comments to or comment online at http://www.pambazuka.org