NGO Empowers Kaduna, Zamfara Residents on Dispute Resolution, Gender-Based Violence

The not-for-profit organization, International Alert Nigeria, has successfully empowered communities in Kaduna and Zamfara states to address dispute resolution and combat gender-based violence (GBV). This was announced by the Country Director, Dr. Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima, during a news conference on Friday in Abuja.

The event marked the closeout meeting of the “Promoting Stability, Access to Justice, and Accountability” project in the North-West region, which also saw the establishment of a multi-door courthouse in Zamfara State. The project was supported by the UK Integrated Security Fund.

International Alert Nigeria is dedicated to collaborating with communities to disrupt cycles of violence, resolve conflicts non-violently, and foster sustainable, inclusive peace by addressing the root causes of conflict at both grassroots and policy levels.

Dr. Nyulaku-Bemshima highlighted the focus on the North-West region due to its high levels of violence and insecurity, particularly the rise in banditry. He stated, “In the North-West, we have implemented security and justice programs that have empowered communities to take ownership of their peace-building processes. We have established community dialogue platforms and safe spaces that provide psychosocial support to women affected by conflict. Our community justice and stability plans serve as a model for both government and peace-building organizations.”

Musa Umar, Executive Director of the Voluntary Aid Initiative, emphasized that International Alert has empowered communities in Zamfara State to implement a localized justice system. “The project allowed us to bring community members and security agency heads together to address security priorities and develop a work plan. It also led to the establishment of a network for gender-based violence and marginalized groups in Zamfara State,” Umar said.

Grace Yohanna, Chairperson of the Women Peace and Mediation Platform in Jemaa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, noted that the project significantly enhanced the government’s efforts to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). “With International Alert’s intervention, we reached remote communities like Dangoma and Goska, providing safe spaces where women can speak out, giving survivors a voice,” Yohanna explained.

Dr. Aliyu Tsafe, Sole Administrator of Tsafe Local Government Area in Zamfara State, highlighted the impact of the project on local communities, stating that between 300 and 500 women regularly gather to discuss SGBV and strategies to tackle insecurity. The initiative has also encouraged men to engage in discussions on improving security.

Laura Wambai, Chairperson of WOPEMP in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, added that the program has led to a significant reduction in SGBV and insecurity in her locality.

Sunday Jimoh, Project Manager at International Alert Nigeria, reported that the organization trained 120 dialogue facilitators in both Kaduna and Zamfara states. He noted, “Numerous conflicts, both interpersonal and community-level, have been resolved, resulting in peace pacts. Additionally, three networks of women and marginalized groups were established in these states.”

(NAN)