The Justice Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC) of the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos and Pankshin Diocese, all in Plateau, has called for more women and youth participation in governance and decision making process in the state.

Ms Benedicta Daber, the Coordinator of JDPC, made the call at a collaborative meeting with stakeholders on Tuesday in Jos.

Daber said that the meeting was part of it’s project, “Accessible and Equitable Justice for Women and Youth (AEJ-WAY)”.

She explained that the project is being implemented in collaboration with the Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN) and funded by the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD).

She added that the project is currently being implemented in two communities each in Barkin Ladi and Mangu Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

“This project aims at creating an enabling opportunity for women to thrive and contribute their quarter toward the progress of the society.

“Our society is slowing down, and that’s why we need to bring young people on board to salvage the situation

“All we seek is to mainstream women and the youths in public decision making process in Plateau,”she said

Speaking, Mr Jude Akwo of CCFN, said that the project is all encompassing, adding that it aimed at tackling Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and promoting social cohesion, among others.

“Through this project, we want to tackle GBV in our communities, promote increased social cohesion in communities and ensure improved livelihood options for women and youth,”he said.

Participants at the meeting included security personnel, government officials, traditional and religious leaders, among others