The Empowering Women for Excellence Initiative (EWEI), a non-governmental organisation, has engaged 60 men and boys from Kujama community in Kajuru Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna state to combat violence against women.
This initiative, part of EWEI’s “Together We Can” project, is supported by the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women.
The Project Manager, Mrs. Juliana Joseph explained that the participants were relatives of women who had experienced various forms of violence.
The programme aims to support women in overcoming the trauma caused by violence, such as kidnappings and banditry, particularly in a community with a history of such issues.
Joseph emphasised that the project’s goal is to create allies who can assist in the recovery process, as women cannot heal alone but need the support of others, especially men and boys, to recover from trauma.
A Gender Rights Advocate, Rebecca Sako-John highlighted the importance of sensitising men and boys in addressing violence against women. She noted that since men are often the perpetrators and key cultural figures, their involvement in the fight against gender-based violence is essential for meaningful progress.
Sako-John stressed the need for men to actively speak out against violence and support women’s rights, which would contribute to healthier relationships and safer communities.
The Deputy Director of Gender Affairs at the Kaduna State Ministry of Human Services and Social Development Mr Lami Usman, praised EWEI’s initiative and encouraged the participants to become ambassadors in the fight against violence, taking the knowledge from the sensitisation back to their communities.
The programme is in line with the state government’s efforts to tackle gender-based violence.
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