By Abbas Bamalli
The Katsina State Government has partnered with Gender Awareness Trust (GAT) to establish an inter-agency platform promoting gender-inclusive peacebuilding across the state.
The initiative was unveiled at a two-day capacity workshop on Saturday in Katsina, aimed at advancing sustainable peace and strengthening security coordination statewide.
The workshop was organised by GAT in collaboration with the Katsina State Ministry of Women Affairs and the state Peace Commission.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Aisha Aminu-Malumfashi, represented by Hajara Abubakar, praised partners for advancing inclusive peacebuilding efforts.
She urged participants to integrate peacebuilding strategies into their organisations’ programmes, policies and processes to achieve lasting stability.
“Let us strengthen coordination and ensure our peacebuilding efforts are inclusive, responsive and sustainable,” she said.
About 50 stakeholders attended, including government officials, security agencies, civil society groups, traditional and religious leaders, women peacebuilders and development partners.
Aminu-Malumfashi said participants adopted an inter-agency coordination framework to harmonise gender-inclusive peacebuilding efforts across sectors.
She added that a validated stakeholders’ register would enhance communication, collaboration and rapid response.
GAT Executive Director, Dr Lydia Umar, represented by Project Manager, Sophie Akut, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the platform.
“We have developed a joint annual work plan outlining clear activities, timelines and responsibilities for the coming months,” she said.
Akut said members also launched an official WhatsApp group to enable real-time information sharing and coordination.
She noted that GAT, under its SPRING Project, was proud to facilitate the initiative and urged stakeholders to sustain it.
“GAT currently implements the Building Inclusive Peace project in Kaduna and Katsina, supporting women, youth and community leaders in peace processes,” she said.
Community women peace builder, Saratu Sani-Ahmad, from Batagarawa LGA welcomed the platform as a turning point.
“In our communities, women are first responders when conflict erupts. We mediate, protect our children and hold families together.
“But we are rarely invited to decision-making tables. This platform gives us hope that our voices will finally be heard,” she said.
NAN
