As part of efforts to ensure women’s inclusion in peace building and have access to justice, the group has donated a safe space to the women in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara State to serve as a center where they can meet to discuss issues affecting women in the area.
The Safe Space was reconstructed by an NGO and handed over to the women as part of activities marking International Women’s Day in Zamfara State.
The commissioner for Women and Children’s Affairs who inaugurated the Safe Space commended the organization for the gesture, pointing out that the building would serve as a venue for women to create awareness and enlighten one another about their challenges and how to overcome them.
The Project Manager of the organization Stephen John described the commemoration of International Women’s Day as a campaign aimed at addressing gender norms that impede women’s access to justice, barriers as well as the importance of inclusivity of women and girls with disabilities, to promote and prevent Social Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
He added that the center is equipped with 10 big-size mats, a file cabinet, and a Radio / PA System among others.
The Divisional Police Officer of Birnin Magaji assured the women that the police would protect women from any form of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and urged them to support security agencies by volunteering credible information about GBV so that they can take prompt action against perpetrators.
A community leader and women in the Birnin Magaji LGA applauded the gesture and said, it would serve as a platform for them to interact and share their experiences on issues that confront women.
Birnin Magaji is one of the frontline Local Governments worst hit by banditry in Zamfara State Northwest Nigeria, where women and children are the victims, which is why this initiative by the NGO will in no small measure help the women rise above their plight.
Editor: Ena Agbanoma
