NGO INAUGURATES WOMEN’S SAFE SPACE CENTRE IN ZAMFARA CENTRE
Ukaid-funded NGO, International Alert, has launched a Safe Space Centre for women in Birnin-Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara.
The Project Manager of the NGO, Mr Steven John, said that the launch of the centre was part of activities to commemorate the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD).
He noted that the IWD is annually marked around the globe to raise awareness about issues that affect women and girls, and celebrate women who contributed to nation-building and to humanity.
The global observance has “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress” as the theme for 2024.
The term Safe Space refers to places intended to be free of bias, conflict, criticism, or potentially threatening actions, ideas, or conversations.
John, therefore, said that the launch of the Safe Space is in furtherance of the NGO’s project being implemented in four communities of Tsafe, Bilbis, Birnin-Magaji and Nasarawa-Godel in Birnin-Magaji and Tsafe local government areas of the state.
He said that the project aims to promote stability, access to justice and accountability, considering the critical role of women in peacebuilding.
The project manager explained that the Safe Space Centre was equipped by the NGO specifically for women in the area to meet and discuss issues affecting them, as well as seek ways of addressing them.
He pointed out that “other activities to mark the 2024 IWD include sensitisation campaign to women to address gender norms that impede access to justice and barriers.
“We are also using this medium to sensitise various women groups on the importance of inclusivity of women, girls and persons with disabilities to prevent Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).”
In her address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Nafisa Maradun, commended the NGO for implementing activities to promote status of women in the state.
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Maradun, who was represented by the Director, Gender in the Ministry, Hafsatu Kakale, said that the ministry was impressed by the contributions of the NGO in supporting women.
The Sole Administrator of Birnin Magaji Local Government Area, Alhaji Ishaka Muhammad, described the establishment of the Safe Space as a welcome development.
He expressed the council’s readiness to work with the NGO and other partners to bring development in the area.
The event was attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, representatives of security agencies, women associations, media representatives, among others
