GBV: Stakeholders Advocate Revival of Community-Based Peace Committees
From Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Stakeholders gathered at a forum organized by Equal Access International (EAI) in Kano emphasized the urgent need to revive Community Peace Committees (known as Zauren Sulhu) to address gender-based violence (GBV) and other community concerns, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
The forum highlighted key strategies to combat GBV, including extensive sensitization campaigns to dispel cultural beliefs, capacity building for religious and traditional leaders, advocacy visits, early childhood orientation for both genders, and premarital counseling for couples.
Conducted as part of EAI’s initiatives marking the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism to eliminate violence against women, the meeting in Kano addressed the pressing need for the revival of local peace committees.
Maryam Mohammed, EAI’s State Program Manager, emphasized the significance of these committees, stating, “A Community Peace Committee serves as a crucial platform to resolve issues within the community without necessarily involving law enforcement. Its presence alone can deter negative intentions, knowing one may face community scrutiny.”
Mohammed highlighted prevalent issues contributing to violence against women, such as rape, domestic violence, economic disparities, and frequent divorces. She stressed the importance of public awareness campaigns to significantly reduce these occurrences.
“In many instances, young girls are pushed into marriages that become harrowing experiences. Implementing policies and laws that strongly condemn such acts can act as a deterrent, making individuals think twice before committing atrocities like rape,” she added.
Additionally, Mohammed underscored the necessity of reshaping societal perceptions and upbringing, suggesting a shift in mindset on raising children. “Girls are often raised to excel, while boys should also be taught responsibility from an early age. It’s a collective responsibility to end violence against anyone, be it women, girls, or boys,” she concluded.
