By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

A major push to strengthen grassroots peace building and conflict prevention efforts in Northern Nigeria gained momentum on Saturday as International Alert Nigeria inaugurated the Sokoto Women Mediators Network (SWMN) in Sokoto State.

The initiative, launched under the Resilience, Engagement and Conflict Prevention for At-Risk Populations’ Protection in Sokoto State (RECAP) Project, is aimed at expanding women’s participation in mediation, dialogue and community based peace building amid rising security and social tensions affecting several parts of the country.

The RECAP project is being implemented by a consortium comprising International Alert Nigeria, Action Against Hunger and Save the Child Initiative with funding support from the European Union.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Sokoto, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Hajia Hadiza Shagari, described the formation of the network as a strategic intervention capable of strengthening inclusive peace processes and enhancing women’s role in addressing communal conflicts.

Represented by the ministry’s Director of Women Affairs, Hajia Hauwa’u Umar-Jabo, the commissioner said women remain critical stakeholders in stabilizing communities and preventing violent conflicts.

“Strengthening women-led mediation platforms will help address gender-specific conflict drivers, improve inclusive dialogue and build stronger community resilience against violence and instability,” she said.

Shagari assured the network of the state government’s support and urged members to justify the confidence reposed in them by becoming active agents of peace and social cohesion across communities.

In his remarks, the Project Manager of International Alert Nigeria, Mr. Sanusi Audu, said the initiative was conceived to amplify women’s voices in peace processes, particularly at the grassroots where women often play vital but largely unrecognized roles in resolving disputes and fostering unity.

“The network is designed to integrate into the national women mediators framework, serving as a locally owned and independent platform that amplifies women’s leadership in conflict prevention, mediation and peace building,” Audu stated.

He explained that the organisation’s interventions focus on disrupting cycles of violence through inclusive, conflict-sensitive and community centred approaches to justice and reconciliation.

According to him, the RECAP project seeks to reduce drivers of conflict and promote peaceful coexistence in Sokoto State through inclusive dialogue, women and youth empowerment, and equitable resource management.

Audu noted that the establishment of the women mediators network represented a major milestone toward sustaining peace building structures at the community level.

“This platform brings together 30 committed women mediators drawn from government institutions, the justice sector, traditional and religious institutions, civil society groups and development partners to strengthen social cohesion and inclusive dialogue in Sokoto State,” he added.

He further disclosed that International Alert has been supporting peace building and conflict prevention initiatives in Nigeria since 2011, with interventions focused on rebuilding social cohesion and supporting vulnerable populations affected by violent conflicts.

Also speaking, the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar Jab pool pbi, described in m mmwomen’s inclusion in decision-making processes as essential to resolving societal conflicts and promoting moral values within communities.

“Women empowerment and active participation in leadership and mediation processes remain key to addressing many of the conflicts affecting our society today,” he said.

The event featured deliberations on the network’s vision, mission, operational framework and code of conduct, while participants also elected leaders and adopted terms of reference to guide the expansion of mediation and peacebuilding activities across local government areas of the state.

Participants said the initiative reflects growing recognition of women’s roles in conflict resolution and community stabilisation as Nigeria continues to confront security challenges ranging from banditry and communal violence to displacement and social fragmentation in several regions.