A three day capacity strengthening training for women mediators on conflict resolution, mediation and peace building was organized by CLEEN Foundation, UNWOMEN, Ministry of Human Services & Social Development with support from the Norwegian Embassy.
In her welcome address, Dr Rabi Salisu, Hon Commissioner of Human Services and Social Development, Kaduna State, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Trainers and Trainees after the Train the Trainers Session that took place in December 2023 which provided trainees the opportunity to step down lessons learnt in their various communities, LGAs and organisations for peace and social cohesion in Kaduna State.
Dr. Salisu highlighted that Kaduna State stands first in Nigeria at the creation of peace commission to address issues of peace.
She noted that mediation is a global tool and very useful for peaceful coexistence as human beings live together conflict is abound to happen but mediation is the solution.
The commissioner enjoined women and men to always mediate with high sense of knowledge, understanding and responsibility irrespective of social – cultural or religious differences.
While commending CLEEN Foundation for bringing the training to Kaduna State, she called on beneficiaries to be good Ambassadors of Kaduna State Government in their various homes, communities and local government areas.
The Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation, Mr. Gad Peter, represented by the Programme Manager, Mrs. Chigozirim Okoro, explained that the training was meant to equip the women with practical skills necessary for effective mediation.
Dr Salaudeen Hashim, Director of Programmes, CLEEN Foundation and the lead facilitator took trainees on the various sessions which included; “Introduction to Conflict & Gender Analysis; Gender Inclusive Mediation & Peacebuilding and Understanding, Peace Advocacy Campaign as a Tool for Policy Formulation & Change” explained that mediation is all about bridge building and cannot be discussed in isolation of women.
Hashim explained that gender is a function of the mind and everything we do and not about what what we carry between our legs.
“We have female traditional rulers in Delta state and in the Southwest, we have female Commissioners of Police and leaders in different fields of endeavour.
“It is important to understand that gender conotes feminity and mascunity and there are men that are feminine in nature just as there are women who are masculine in nature.
“We should emphasize gender equity above gender equality. There shouldn’t be anything like Prof Mrs just as there is no Prof Mr. We should use gendered lens regardless of our sex.
“Peace building and conflict resolution require an awareness of how both women and men can have the tool better to contribute to sustainable peace and security”, he said.
Highlight of the training are sydicate sessions, group presentations and drama production by the forty women mediators trained on what they learnt and how to apply it in real time for the promotion of social cohesion and peace in Kaduna State.
