By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Women from Rigasa and Nariya communities in Kaduna State have been sensitised on their roles in peacebuilding and community security under the Kaduna State Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (KADSAP II) as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day.

The programme was organised by the Kaduna State Implementation Committee on Women, Peace and Security 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.

Speaking at the event on Friday March 13, 2027, in Kaduna, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, urged women to work together to promote peace and economic empowerment in their communities.

Salisu, represented by the Director of Gender Affairs in the ministry, Mrs Lami Usman, encouraged women to form cooperative groups to strengthen unity and access development opportunities.

She noted that women had continued to play important roles in leadership, peacebuilding and national development.

According to her, cooperative structures would also help ensure accountability and effective utilisation of support provided to women groups.

Halima Ibrahim of Gender Awareness Trust said the programme was aimed at creating awareness on the Kaduna State Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (KADSAP II) and encouraging women’s participation in peacebuilding.

She explained that the plan provides a framework to ensure women’s participation, protection and access to justice when their rights are violated.

Also speaking, the 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 key to strengthening women’s roles in peacebuilding.

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