Pulse.ng : NGO Sensitises Kaduna Community on Peace Building, Resilience

By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

An NGO, Legal Awareness for Nigerian Women (LANW), has sensitised residents of Kidandan community in Giwa LGA of Kaduna state on peace building and resilience.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the sensitisation, which was under the 'Empowering Women to Build Resilient Communities' project, is implemented by LAWN, and supported by Global Peace Development in collaboration with Global Community Engagement and Resilient Fund (GCERF).

NAN also reports that the Carol Bellamy Leadership Award (CBLA) is a GCERF initiative funded by the Federal Republic of Germany. The award recognises and amplifies the leadership of women who are building more resilient, inclusive, and peaceful communities in contexts affected by violent extremism and terrorism.

Speaking to newsmen at the sideline of the event on Tuesday at Kidandan village head's palace, Mrs. Hannatu Ahuwan, the Acting Executive Director for LAWN, said the project was initiated to encourage women's participation in ensuring peaceful communities.

She explained that Kidandan community was selected due to its past experiences with insecurity and conflict, where community members had to relocate and couldn't access their farms or schools. She however, noted that the situation in the community is now calm, where the project aimed to build on the progress.

Ahuwan emphasised the importance of women's involvement in peacebuilding processes, stating that it would benefit women, families, and the community as a whole.

"The project aims to build women's capacity for peacebuilding, negotiation, and leadership," she said.

Ahuwan noted that the women would be equipped with skills to negotiate for peacebuilding efforts that benefit women, families.

This, she said would also help build the skills of the women for leadership, thereby enabling them to participate in leadership structures of the community, especially in peacebuilding.

"The project is expected to promote inclusive community structures and prevent violent extremism," she said.

Also, Samuel Joshua, Project Officer for the CBLA Empowering Women for Building Resilient Communities Project, explained that a resilient community is one that can withstand and recover from challenges.

Joshua highlighted the importance of peace and inclusion in building community resilience, noting that women's participation is crucial in peacebuilding efforts.

According to him, peace and inclusion provide the stability needed for people to build their lives, run businesses, and send children to school.

"When people live in safety and without fear of conflict, they can contribute more meaningfully to development," he said.

Joshua emphasised that women's experiences and perspectives are essential for understanding and addressing the root causes of conflict.

He explained that supporting women's leadership is not about taking power from others, but about working together for the good of all.

He, therefore, said the project seeks to promote collective action and unity in building a safer and more resilient community.

He noted that community leaders, women, youth, and people with disabilities are expected to work together to ensure peace and resilience in the community.

The project officer called on community leaders to support women's participation in peace processes, promote inclusive community structures, and partner to prevent violent extremism.

"By working together, the community can build a brighter future for all, where everyone has a voice and a role in community decisions," he said.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Abubakar Umar-ruka, Village Head of Kidandan, stated his commitment to work together with the project implementers to ensure its success.

Umar-ruka believed that by empowering women, they can build a more peaceful and prosperous community for everyone.

The Village Head expressed optimism that the project would have a positive impact on the community, and pledged to support the project's activities.(NAN)