By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative, also known as Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), has conducted a 2-day training of the Technical Implementation Committee for the Kaduna State Action Plan on Women Peace and Security.

PWAN with support from the United Nations Entity for Women Empowerment (UNWOMEN) is implementing the

“Strengthening State and Local Peace Architecture for Prevention and Peace-building in Katsina and Kaduna State of

Northwestern Nigeria” through the United Nations Peace-building Fund.

In a keynote address, during a brief opening ceremony, Day-1 of the training on Wednesday September 4th, 2025 in Kaduna, the Kaduna State Commissioner, Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, Haj Rabi Salisu said the the state government recognized the crucial role the committee is playing in promoting gender equality, peace and security in communities.

She described the training as a significant step towards achieving the goal to prioritize the empowerment and inclusion of women in all aspects of peace building and conflict resolution.

The commissioner, who was represented by Lami Usman, Deputy Director Genda Affairs, commended PWAN for organizing the training.

The project is aimed at enhancing the capacities of Kaduna and Katsina states, to respond to inter and intra-communal violent conflicts in a timely, coordinated, inclusive, gender-responsive, youth-inclusive and collaborative manner.

In her good will message, the Country Representative of the UN WOMEN to Nigeria and the ECOWAS, Ms Beatrice Eyong said they will work hand in hand with all stakeholders in promoting peace, not only in the state, “but beyond.”

Ms Eyong, who was represented by Ms. Suzan Agada , National Programme Officer , Peace building and Prevention (Women , Peace and Security Programme UN WOMEN Nigeria, also expressed satisfaction with the level of collaboration with the state government in promoting peaceful coexistence in the state.

Barrister Rebecca Sako, Permanent Commissioner , Kaduna Peace Commission , commended the UN WOMEN for their support which is aimed at equipping the Committee with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively implement the State action plan on Women’s Peace and Security in line with Nigeria’s commitment to the United Nations Resolution 1325.

Traditional leaders, religious leaders , Civil Society Organization, journalists and the representative from the academia among others, were among members of the committee that benefitted from the training.

The training covered various aspects related to women’s involvement in peace and security efforts, including the roles

And responsibilities of the Committee, tracking the of the action plan, advocacy strategies and Stakeholde engagement.

•PHOTO: Group photograph of the Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative, also known as Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), 2-Day training of the Technical Implementation Committee for the Kaduna State Action Plan on Women Peace and Security.