Pulse.ng : GAT, UK International Development Promotes Inclusive Peace in Kaduna

By Sani Idris
Abdulrahman

In a bold move to bolster inclusive and sustainable peace in Northern Nigeria, Gender Awareness Trust (GAT), in partnership with UK International Development, held a multi-day spring event across Kaduna and Katsina states focused on integrating women into peacebuilding processes and community dialogue.

Held under the theme “Building Inclusive Peace project”, the event gathered numerous participants, including community leaders, youth groups, women-led organizations, traditional rulers, and local government representatives.

Through workshops, dialogue sessions, and peace forums, the initiative aimed to empower women and grassroots stakeholders to take active roles in fostering stability across communities affected by conflict and insecurity.

Speaking at the opening ceremony in Kaduna, GAT Executive Director, Mrs Lydia Umar, emphasized the importance of inclusive approaches in building lasting peace.

“For too long, women have been sidelined in matters of security and conflict resolution,” she said.

“This program is designed to change that narrative. We want to create space where women are not just participants, but decision-makers in peacebuilding processes.”

Mrs Lydia further explained that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to align local peace efforts with global goals on gender equality and sustainable development.

“We are working to ensure that community peace structures reflect the realities and needs of everyone especially women and young people whose voices are often unheard,” she said.

The program, which included community peace circles, leadership training for women, and interfaith dialogues, was accepted with enthusiasm by participants in some selected local governments.

Rabi Jafar, a representative of traditional council from Sabon Gari, expressed her excitement about the opportunity to learn and share ideas.

“This event gave me the tools to go back to my community and help mediate conflict in a more inclusive way.

“It’s inspiring to see women from different backgrounds come together for a common cause,"she said.

Similarly, Suleiman AbdulAziz, the Chairman of Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Kaduna, praised the program’s emphasis on collaboration between traditional authorities and civil society.

“This is the kind of initiative we need in the North. one that respects our cultural structures while encouraging new voices to contribute to peace,” he said.

In addition to training sessions, participants developed community action plans aimed at resolving local disputes, supporting survivors of violence, and promoting inter-communal cooperation.

These plans would be monitored by GAT and local partners to ensure implementation and sustainability.

The Project Manager, Sophie Akur, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting grassroots peace efforts.

In her closing remarks, she noted, “Peace is not something we can impose, it must be built from within communities. We are proud to stand with the people of Kaduna and Katsina in this journey toward sustainable peace,"she said.

The event concluded with a symbolic plenary session, where participants call for unity, inclusion, and an end to violence.

Organizers, said the event was just the beginning of a year-long series of initiatives focused on women’s leadership in conflict prevention and resolution across Nigeria’s Northern region.