Kaduna to create platform for gender inclusivity in Peace-building

The Kaduna State Government has announced plans to establish a platform that will bring together various gender groups, security operatives, and traditional leaders to enhance peace and unity across communities in the state.

This initiative was disclosed during the Women, Peace, and Security Integration Meeting for representatives of Kajuru, Chikun, Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Igabi and Zaria communities organized by the Kaduna State Government in collaboration with CLEEN Foundation, UN Women, and the Norwegian Embassy in Kaduna over the weekend.

The Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu who was represented by her Special Adviser, Maryam Muazu revealed the government’s commitment to fostering inclusivity.

She emphasized that the platform will enable women, alongside other stakeholders, to participate actively in governance and decision-making processes.

“We are committed to supporting you. We are setting up a platform to accommodate gender groups like He4She, security operatives, and other stakeholders to promote peace and unity in the state,” Muazu stated.

She explained that the platform will also serve as a space where discussions and decisions made will be shared with the Commissioner to ensure effective governance noting that the initiative aligns with Governor Uba Sani’s priority to focus on women, youth, and children, ensuring their inclusion in state affairs.

Also, the Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation, Dr. Gad Peter who was represented by Manager Programs, Mrs. Chigozirim Okoro noted that their mandate is for proactive and prompt response to peace and conflict issues in the state.

“The message is peace across broad, and so here, this women have initiated several activities to ensuring that there is peace in this state, advocacy’s conducted, training and re-training, just name it, moving from one local government to another, one community to another, even in most cases, with their resources, with their own personal resources,” she said.

Earlier, Chairlady Kaduna Women Mediation Network and Founder Centre for Study and Resolution of Domestic Violence, Professor Hauwau Evelyn Yusuf represented by Dr. Bilquees Yusuf called for more support and involvement of all stakeholders, saying with time Kaduna state will experience its desired peace and security.

Muhammad Kabiru Zubairu, the District Head of Barnawa, who attended the event commended the initiative and assured that women will be actively involved in decision-making, particularly in peace-related matters saying, “We in the palace regard their work as part of our mission, and we assure you that women will be carried along in decision-making, especially on peace.”