Stakeholders seek community-driven approach to tackle insecurity, gender violence
The Global Rights has called for greater inclusion of women in peace building and justice initiatives to strengthen community resilience and ensure lasting security across Nigeria.
The call was made on Thursday by the Executive Director of the initiative, Abiodun Baiyewu, in Kano during a high-level town hall meeting on “Promoting Peace and Security through Women’s Inclusion and Access to Justice,” organized by Global Rights in collaboration with Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative, the UK International Development (FCDO), and other partners.
In her welcome remarks, Baiyewu expressed gratitude to the partners and participants for their continued commitment to advancing peace and justice in Kano and other parts of northern Nigeria. She particularly commended Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative for its sustained efforts in promoting women’s empowerment and community development.
“Over the years, we have seen how the exclusion of women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups has deepened community divides and weakened responses to insecurity,” she said. “When women’s voices are included, peace lasts longer and communities become more resilient.”
Baiyewu noted that although Kano had long been regarded as a relatively stable state in the North, recent attacks have shown the urgent need to address insecurity and gender-based violence through inclusive, community-led approaches. She stressed that women often sense early signs of tension in markets, schools, and homes, yet their insights are rarely integrated into security strategies. Limited access to justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence has also eroded trust in public institutions.
Solacebase reports that the Global Rights director explained that the project, implemented in partnership with Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative, focuses on strengthening community peace structures, supporting gender-based violence response teams, and promoting access to justice through initiatives like the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme.
“What we are doing here in Kano has the potential to redefine community security architecture across Nigeria,” Baiyewu said. “By centering inclusion and building partnerships between communities and institutions, we are creating a model for sustainable peace and justice.”
She urged stakeholders, including traditional leaders, security agencies, and policymakers, to reaffirm their commitment to inclusive peace and justice so that “every woman, man, and young person in Kano can live in dignity, security, and peace.”
On her part, the executive director of Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative, Hajiya Amina Hanga, emphasized that sustainable peace and security in Nigerian communities can only be achieved through the full inclusion of women and equal access to justice for all.
She added that the key message from the event is that lasting peace depends on justice that works for everyone, especially women.
“When women participate, when communities trust the justice system, and when survivors can seek redress without fear, we lay the true foundations for harmony and resilience,” she stated.
She expressed appreciation to all stakeholders, including security agencies, community representatives, and partners, for their active participation and continued support throughout the program.
She also thanked Global Rights and USAID for their collaboration in implementing projects aimed at promoting women’s rights, peacebuilding, and access to justice across communities.
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“Let us carry forward the lessons we have learned today. Let it not end here. We all have a role to play in ensuring peace and justice, where everyone feels safe — including the little children playing happily around us,” she added.
In his remarks, Dr Adamu Abdullahi, who represented Cliff Gai, Senior Programme Manager of the UK Integrated Security Fund, commended the organizers for convening the dialogue, describing it as both timely and transformational.
“On behalf of the UK Integrated Security Fund, I extend our deep appreciation to Global Rights, Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative, and all collaborating partners for bringing together stakeholders to address insecurity and justice gaps,” he said. Dr. Abdullahi noted that the UK government, through the Integrated Security Fund, has supported several initiatives across Nigeria that place women at the heart of peacebuilding, civic engagement, and justice reform.
“This town hall is not just a meeting — it is a platform for transformation,” he added. “We are encouraged by the progress made through community dialogue committees and gender-based violence response teams, which have increased women’s representation and improved trust between communities and security actors.”
He reaffirmed the UK government’s commitment to supporting locally driven and inclusive solutions, saying, “When women lead, communities thrive. When justice is accessible, peace becomes possible.” Dr Abdullahi added that the British government remains ready to continue working with partners to build a more peaceful, just, and inclusive Nigeria.
Also in attendance, the 16th Fulani Emir of Kano, Dr Muhammad Sanusi II, was represented by the Falakin Kano, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello.
He commended the initiative for its contributions in Kano, assured continued support from the Kano Emirate, and encouraged stakeholders to champion peacebuilding in their respective communities.
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