A non Governmental Organization,Clean Foundation has trained women on conflict resolution, mediation, peace building in Kaduna state.
The three day capacity strengthening training for women mediators on conflict resolution and peace building was organised by CLEEN Foundation, UN Women in conjunction with the Ministry of Human Services & Social Development as well as support from the Norwegian Embassy.
The Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development,
Dr Rabi Salisu, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Trainers and Trainees after the Train the Trainers 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 conflict.
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 said women and men should always mediate with high sense of knowledge, understanding and responsibility irrespective of social – cultural or religious differences.
She also Commended CLEEN Foundation for bringing the training to Kaduna State,while calling on beneficiaries to be good Ambassadors of Kaduna State Government in their various homes, communities and local government areas.
Mr Gad Peter, Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation, represented by Mrs Chigozirim Okoro, Programme Manager, 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 includes the following topics “Introduction to Conflict & Gender Analysis; Gender Inclusive Mediation and Peacebuilding and Understanding Peace Advocacy Campaign as a Tool for Policy Formulation and Change”
He explained that mediation is all about bridge building and cannot be discussed in isolation of women.
Dr Hashim explained that gender is a function of the mind and everything should not be about what we carry between our legs.
He said their are female traditional ruler in Delta state and in the Southwest, we have female Commissioners of Police and leaders in different fields of endeavour.
He said ,It is important to understand that gender connotes feminity and masculinity and there are men that are feminine in nature just as there are women who are masculine in nature.
According to him, people 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.
Dr Hashim said peace building and conflict resolution requires an awareness on how both women and men can have the tool better to contribute to sustainable peace and security.
Krestnews reports that highlight of the training were syndicate sessions, group presentations and drama production on what they learned and how to apply it in real time for the promotion of social cohesion and peace in Kaduna State by the 40 women mediators trained.
Source: NAN