Theories of Change dissemination workshop on GBV and Women Participation in Peacebuilding hold in Port Harcourt

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By Isaac Eranga 

Cross-section of participants at the just concluded theories of Change dissemination workshop in Port Harcourt 

In an effort towards promoting inclusive and gender sensitive approaches to peace and security responses in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, a workshop on Theories of Change (ToC) has been held in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. 

The workshop was under the auspices of Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, and the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP Nigeria), in collaboration with the University of Leicester. 

Welcoming participants, WANEP's South/South zonal Coordinator - Pastor (Mrs) Bridget Affiah said the theories of Change were meant to simplify the work of women in the areas of gender based violence (GBV) and their participation in peacebuilding processes. She said "today in the Niger Delta, women are playing critical role in the socio-economic development of their communities. Women of 60 years and above have also  been able to secure their community from militarization.

In her remarks, the Executive Director of Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre- Dr. Emem Okon said women are often marginalised in decision making concerning peace and security and called on participants to actualize the knowledge derived from the workshop to promote the course of women in the Niger Delta region. 

Speaking, the Project lead from the University of Leicester, United Kingdom- Dr. Zainab Mai-Bornu said the project started in June 2022 with a three-day learning history session in Abuja. She said the aim was to increase women participation in peacebuilding activities in Nigeria.

"A follow-up meeting held in June 2023, saw the development of two theories of Change (ToC); the first for addressing violence against women and the second for improving women's participation in the peacebuilding processes in Nigeria.

"It's expected that organisations and their partners will leverage on this document to continue their excellent work of addressing issues affecting women and girls in Nigeria", said Dr. Zainab.

Also speaking, the facilitator of the workshop and a Professor of Development Studies, University of Port Harcourt - Prof. Fidelis Allen highlighted the importance of women participation in peacebuilding processes in Nigeria. He said violent conflict and insecurity have increased across states and communities in Nigeria over the past few years.

"There are cases of banditry, kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, indigene-settler disputes, intra and inter group conflicts, and farmer-herder clashes across the country to varying degrees of intensity.

"These violent acts disproportionately affect women, young girls, children, and persons with disabilities. Although, some state governments have put in place institutions charged with responsibilities of peace and security, the participation of women remains low.

"Women's participation in peacebuilding processes of the government promotes gender inequality and hinders the development of gender-sensitive approaches to tackling insecurity and violence. In the meantime, women are making significant contributions  to nonstate peacebuilding.

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