By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

Women from Rigasa and Nariya communities in Kaduna State have been sensitised on their roles in promoting peace, security and community development as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day.

The awareness programme was organised by the Kaduna State Implementation Committee on Women, Peace and Security (KADSAP II) in collaboration with the Kaduna State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and Gender Awareness Trust (GAT), with support from SPRiNG and the United Kingdom International Development.

The event brought together women from the two communities to deepen awareness on the Kaduna State Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (KADSAP II) and strengthen women’s participation in peacebuilding.

Speaking at the event on Friday in Kaduna, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, urged women to work collectively to promote peace and economic empowerment in their communities.

Salisu, represented by Mrs Lami Usman, Director of Gender Affairs in the ministry, encouraged women to form cooperative groups as a way of strengthening unity, accessing development opportunities and improving livelihoods.

She emphasised that women had an important role in fostering peace and stability in their communities and should continue to support one another in leadership and development initiatives.

Salisu noted that women were increasingly taking up leadership roles in different sectors and contributing significantly to national and global development.

According to her, forming cooperatives would also help ensure transparency and accountability in the management of development support and financial assistance provided to women groups.

Halima Ibrahim of Gender Awareness Trust said the organisation works on gender rights and peacebuilding, particularly among marginalised communities.

She explained that the engagement was aimed at sensitising women on the KADSAP II and helping them understand their rights and roles in peacebuilding and community leadership.

Ibrahim added that the action plan provides a framework for women’s participation, protection and access to justice whenever their rights are violated.

Also speaking, Chairperson of the Civil Society Coalition Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Kaduna State, Bukola Ajao, highlighted the four pillars of the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

She listed the pillars as participation, protection, prevention and promotion, noting that they were critical in strengthening women’s roles in peacebuilding and leadership.

According to her, the outreach to Rigasa and Nariya communities was important because of their population and strong community networks.

Some participants said the programme had improved their understanding of women’s rights and mechanisms for reporting gender-based violence.

A participant from Nariya community, Bilkisu Ussaini, said many women previously lacked knowledge about International Women’s Day and available channels for reporting abuse.

She expressed optimism that the awareness programme would encourage more women to speak out and seek support when their rights were violated.

Another participant from Rigasa, Ramat Abubakar, said the engagement had enlightened women on the importance of promoting peace and standing against violence in their communities.(NAN)