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

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 peace-building.

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

Ms Salisu, represented by the Director of Gender Affairs in the ministry, Lami Usman, 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.

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

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

Ms 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 peace building and leadership.

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 enlightened women on the importance of promoting peace and standing against violence in their communities.

(NAN)