Lyop's Story

When the councillorship seat in my ward became vacant in 2023, I decided to try my luck at leadership. I shocked everyone in my village by picking up the nomination form. My siblings made fun of me. My husband was furious. The elders called me in and said I was being disrespectful. Even my mother told me that a woman should not be so ambitious.

I almost gave up, but the Women for Women International team in Nigeria supported me. They encouraged me, travelled with me to gather support and reminded me that I had the right to lead.  

That was the moment I began to question what I had always believed. I realised how limited my world once was and decided to challenge these long-held beliefs.

Unfortunately, my aspirations were cut short when my brothers conspired with various stakeholders and turned the women against me. The elders pressured me to step down. I agreed, but only on one condition: that women be included in traditional councils and political roles. The district head agreed to my conditions. I spoke about the injustices we endure as women, such as gender-based violence, including wife assault and battery, rape, economic violence, lack of access to education and the suppression of our voices. I told them, “Women’s voices matter. It is inhumane to silence us.” 

Although I stepped down, I achieved something far more significant: a place for women at the decision-making table.

Since then, my life has changed in many ways. I am now invited to traditional and church councils to help make decisions, and I was elected as a delegate in the 2023 gubernatorial election, where I met leading political candidates from Plateau State. I encouraged my community to create leadership positions for women. My fellow programme member, Helen Kaze, is now the Women's Leader of Rim District.  

Since 2022, my community and nearby villages have faced several attacks following conflicts between herders and farmers. In August 2024, I started a peace group to help spot early signs of conflict. Our group has 10 members: 5 Fulani Muslims and 5 Berom Christians. Thanks to our peace-building efforts and mediations, attacks have become less common and trust is beginning to grow between the groups. 

During community activities, I raise awareness about Violence Against Women (VAW), including wife battery, economic violence, rape and the importance of peace. As a result, I assisted eight women survivors of violence in finding the right support and their problems were addressed. 

Even though I did not win the councillorship seat, I was appointed to the Chief’s cabinet. I make sure women’s voices are now heard. Young girls come to me with dreams of becoming leaders, hoping to serve as councillors, governors and senators.

My journey has not been easy, but it has made a difference. I did more than just run for office, I helped change old ways.