By Rauf Oyewole
As part of the mechanisms to prevent incessant gender based violence in rural and urban communities, the Network of Nigerian Women Mediators has launched Early Warning and Response Centre and Women Peace Hub in Bauchi communities.
The community based structure which serves as a hub where issues of gender based violence is reported and responded to at the grassroots is controlled by traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, women groups, security agencies, people living with disabilities among others.
The Bauchi State Coordinator of Network of Nigerian Women Mediators, Mrs Jamila Sule, explained the organisation is in partnership with ActionAid, Global Affairs Canada, Renewed Women's Voice and Leadership Nigerian Project to prevent cases of GBV before they occurred.
Jamila said this on Saturday while formally launching the Hub in Bauchi, urging the women to speak up against injustice early. She highlighted several early warnings and how to prevent them at household levels.
Women have long contributed to resolving disputes and building peace, yet women mediators may face limited recognition, limited access to opportunities, security concerns, social barriers and gaps in institutional support.
“NNWM provides a structure through which women mediators can learn from one another, strengthen their practice, increase visibility and connect to wider peace processes,” she said.
According to her, NNWM is a national non-governmental organisation, non-political and coordination platform for all women mediators in Nigeria committed to championing the course of women peacebuilders and mediators and creating an enabling network that amplifies the role and position of women in conflict prevention and mediation in Nigeria and beyond.
“The NNWM is the first official and formal umbrella body for all women mediators across Nigeria. The aims are to strengthen women's capacities and increase participation in peacebuilding processes for national peace and stability with a key commitment to strengthen the inclusion and meaningful participation of women in all phase's pf peace process across Nigeria,” she added.
The community leader of Kagadama, Yelwa area of Bauchi, represented by Mr. Joshua Bitrus, lauded the organisation for piloting the initiative in his domain, pledging to collaborate and support the welfare of women and children.
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