International Alert Nigeria has inaugurated the Sokoto Women Mediators Network (SWMN) to strengthen peacebuilding and conflict prevention across communities in the state.
It was reported that the initiative aims to promote inclusive peacebuilding and increase women’s participation in conflict prevention.
It was also reported that SWMN operates under the Resilience, Engagement, and Conflict Prevention for At-Risk Populations’ Protection in Sokoto State (RECAP) Project.
The project is implemented by the RECAP Consortium, comprising International Alert, Action Against Hunger (ACF), and Save the Children Initiative (STCI), and is funded by the European Union.
The initiative seeks to create a sustainable, state-owned platform that harnesses women’s leadership potential in mediation, dialogue, and peacebuilding across Sokoto State.
Speaking at the inauguration on Saturday, the Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Hadiza Shagari, described the initiative as a platform that would enhance women’s participation and inclusiveness in peacebuilding efforts.
Represented by the Director of Women in the ministry, Hauwa’u Umar-Jabo, Shagari pledged maximum support for the initiative and urged women to live up to expectations.
She emphasized that strengthening women-led mediation platforms would help address gender-specific conflict drivers, improve inclusive dialogue, and build stronger community resilience against violence and instability.
In his address, the Project Manager of International Alert Nigeria, Mr Sanusi Audu, said the initiative was conceived to amplify women’s voices in peace processes.
“Especially at the grassroots level, where women often play critical but unrecognized roles in resolving disputes and fostering community cohesion.
“The network is designed to integrate into the national network as a locally owned, independent platform that amplifies women’s leadership in conflict prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding.
“As an organization, we disrupt the cycle of violence by promoting inclusive, conflict-sensitive, and community-centred justice systems,” Audu said.
He affirmed that the RECAP project aims to reduce conflict drivers and promote peaceful coexistence in Sokoto State through inclusive dialogue, women and youth empowerment, and equitable resource management.
The establishment of the women mediators’ network, he noted, remains a critical component in achieving its goals and objectives.
He added that the platform brought together 30 committed women mediators from diverse backgrounds, alongside government institutions, justice sector actors, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, and development partners.
Audu said the meeting established the network’s governance structure, promoted inclusive dialogue, and strengthened social cohesion in Sokoto State.
“International Alert is a peacebuilding organization working globally to lay the foundations for lasting peace in communities affected by violent conflict.
“Alert has been supporting peacebuilding and conflict prevention in Nigeria since 2011, focusing on social cohesion through initiatives such as the reintegration of women and girls who have experienced sexual violence, and children associated with armed groups,” he said.
Also speaking, the District Head of Gagi, Sani Umar-Jabi, said empowering women and involving them in decision-making was key to resolving conflicts and instilling moral values in society.
It was reported that the event featured discussions on the network’s vision, mission, objectives, code of conduct, and leadership structures.
Key working committees were also identified to guide its operations.
Participants elected leaders for the network’s positions, inaugurated the body, and adopted its Terms of Reference.
The Terms of Reference include strategies for cascading mediation and peacebuilding efforts across local government areas of the state.
