BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
Women in Rigasa and Nariya communities of Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State have been sensitised on the importance of community security, peaceful coexistence and active participation in leadership and decision-making processes.
The sensitisation engagement, which held on Friday, was organised by the Kaduna State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Kaduna State Implementation Committee on Women, Peace and Security (KADSAP II) and Gender Awareness Trust (GAT), with support from SPRiNG and the United Kingdom’s International Development programme.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Rabi Salisu, stressed the need for unity and peaceful coexistence among women in the communities.
Salisu said women play vital roles in preventing conflicts and sustaining peace, particularly within families and at the community level.
Represented by the Director of Gender Affairs in the ministry, Lami Usman, the commissioner urged women to see themselves as key actors in promoting peace and security in their communities.
She also encouraged them to form cooperative groups to enable them access government empowerment programmes and other support initiatives aimed at improving their livelihoods.
According to her, the government will continue to monitor such groups to ensure that the support provided translates into meaningful improvements in the lives of beneficiaries.
“The government wants to see real change in the lives of women. Forming cooperative groups will help ensure that support provided benefits many people and strengthens community development,” she said.
Chairperson of the Civil Society Coalition Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Kaduna State, Bukola Ajao, said the programme formed part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day.
She explained that the engagement also educated participants on the Kaduna State Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, designed to strengthen women’s participation in peacebuilding and governance.
Ajao said the sensitisation focused on the four pillars of the action plan, participation, protection, prevention and promotion, aimed at enhancing women’s involvement in peace and security initiatives.
She urged women to support and mentor one another to sustain progress in advancing women’s participation in leadership and decision-making.
In their separate remarks, Hussaini Bilkisu from Nariya community and Ramatu Abubakar from Rigasa community commended the organisers, noting that the programme enlightened many women on issues such as rape and domestic violence.
They added that participants were also informed about available support channels and encouraged to speak up and seek help whenever their rights are violated.
