Kaduna: Commissioner lauds Foundation’s training on conflicts resolution

The Commissioner of Human services and Social Development in Kaduna State, Rabi Salisu, has commended CLEEN Foundation for training Women mediators on conflicts resolution, mediation and peace building in the State.

The three-day capacity training was jointly organized with the UNWOMEN, Ministry of Human Services & Social Development with support from the Norwegian Embassy.

In her welcome address, the Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Trainers and Trainees which provided the opportunity to step down lessons learnt in their various communities, LGAs and organisations for peace and social cohesion State.

She noted that mediation is a global tool and very useful for peaceful coexistence, adding that as human beings live together, conflict is abound to happen but mediation is the solution.

The commissioner therefore called on women and men to always mediate with high sense of  knowledge, understanding and responsibility irrespective of social – cultural or religious differences.

While commending CLEEN Foundation for bringing the training to Kaduna State, she called on beneficiaries to be good Ambassadors in their various homes, communities and local government areas.

Gad Peter, the Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation, who was represented by Chigozirim Okoro, Programme Manager, explained that the training was meant to equip the women with practical skills necessary for effective mediation.

Accordingly, Salaudeen Hashim, the Director of Programmes, CLEEN Foundation and the lead facilitator who took trainees on the various sessions which includes the following “Introduction to Conflict & Gender Analysis; Gender Inclusive Mediation & Peacebuilding and Understanding Peace Advocacy Campaign as a Tool for Policy Formulation & Change” explained that mediation is all about bridge building and cannot be discussed in isolation of women.

Hashim added that, gender is a function of the mind and everything we do and not is about what we carry between our legs.

According to him, “We have a female traditional ruler in Delta state and in the Southwest, we have female Commissioners of Police and leaders in different fields of endeavour. 

“It is thereby important to understand that gender conotes feminity and mascunity. 

“And there are men that are feminine in nature, just as there are women who are masculine in nature. We should emphasize gender equity above gender equality. 

“There shouldn’t be anything like Prof Mrs just as there is no Prof Mr. Rather We should use gendered lens regardless of our sex.” He stated.

According to him, peace building and conflict resolution requires an awareness of how both women and men can have the tool better to contribute to sustainable peace and security.