The International Alert-Nigeria has empowered communities in Kaduna and Zamfara states to address gender-based violence (GBV) and resolve disputes through an 18-month project titled 'Promoting Stability, Access to Justice, and Accountability Project in the North-West.'

This initiative, supported by the UK Integrated Security Fund, aims to curb high-intensity violence, insecurity, and the challenge of banditry.

At the project's closeout meeting, Dr Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima, Country Director of International Alert-Nigeria, unveiled a community justice and stability model that the government could replicate to address the root causes of conflict from the grassroots.

Leaders from various communities in Kaduna and Zamfara expressed their gratitude for the project, noting its positive impact on reducing violence and supporting women and marginalised groups.

The Executive Director for Voluntary Aid Initiative, Musa Umar, said the programme empowered communities in Zamfara State to identify barriers to accessing justice.

The chairperson of the Women Peace and Mediation Platform (WOPEMP) in the Jemaa LGA of Kaduna State, Mrs Grace Yohanna, said that the project augmented the government's effort to address GBV.

The Project Manager, International Alert-Nigeria, Mr Sunday Jimoh, said the organisation and its partners had trained 120 dialogue facilitators, 240 health workers, and social workers on first aid and psychological support for survivors of GBV in the states.