Two community dialogue forums were successfully held in Zangon Kataf LGA and Kaduna South LGA as part of the initiative ‘Empowering Christian Women and Leaders of Culture for Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response’.
The dialogue, titled ‘Shift in Patriarchal Attitudes: Multilevel Community Dialogues and Sensitization Workshops on GBV and Gender Equality’, was organised by Gender Awareness Trust (GAT) with funding support from Women Aid Collective (WACOL).
The forums aimed to strengthen community understanding of gender equality and promote collective action to prevent gender-based violence (GBV).
The Executive Director of GAT, in her welcome address, stressed that the dialogue would contribute to increased acceptance of gender-equitable norms, improved attitudes among male and female cultural and religious leaders toward prevention of GBV, and stronger community commitment to uphold the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act).
The dialogues brought together 60 community leaders, including traditional and religious leaders, women leaders, youth representatives, and local government officials. Sessions featured participatory discussions, real-life GBV case studies, and gender-transformative facilitation approaches. Participants also received abridged copies of the VAPP Act to deepen legal awareness.
GAT noted that sustained engagement with community gatekeepers remains essential to consolidating gains and advancing safer, more inclusive communities across Kaduna State.
Cultural and Christian Male Leaders Trained as Gender Champions to Tackle GBV in Kaduna State Gender Awareness Trust (GAT) with funding support from Women Aid Collective (WACOL) organised a two-state-level training session on Gender Champions for the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Zangon Kataf LGA and Kaduna South LGA.
The initiative focused on transforming harmful patriarchal norms by strengthening the leadership role of men in promoting gender equality and safer communities. The training brought together 60 male faith and cultural leaders, drawn from churches, traditional institutions, and community structures.
Through participatory learning methods, participants explored topics including positive masculinity, GBV prevention, and provisions of the VAPP Act. Facilitators of the workshop, Rebecca James Bilai and Tukura Bege,
She stated that the workshop seeks to strengthen the capacity of male leaders to challenge harmful norms, increase their active involvement in GBV prevention, and boost community advocacy for the protection of women and girls.
Participants thanked GAT for a well-thought-out initiative and made commitment statements and action pledges to step down knowledge to the different structures and institutions they represent across their churches and communities.
