On October 18, 2024, forty-six women from various ethnic and religious backgrounds came together for a Peace Awareness Meeting organized by Global Peace Women (GPW) Nigeria in collaboration with the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria. The event sought to highlight women’s critical role in fostering peaceful coexistence, aligned with the GPW campaign slogan, “Peace Begins in the Home.” The program was part of GPW’s broader mission to strengthen families, promote interfaith collaboration, and build a culture of service as pathways to peace.
Mrs. Lois Joseph Hayab, the wife of the Country Director of GPF Nigeria, delivered the keynote address. Drawing on African cultural traditions and universal values, Mrs. Hayab spoke passionately about the virtues of patience, respect, and cleanliness, framing them as pillars of a peaceful home. “The family, which is every child’s first perception of the world, is the incubator for character and behavior,” she said. “Women are the source of life for that incubator, and their role in building and sustaining peace is non-negotiable.”
Mrs. Hayab shared on the importance of patience in resolving family conflicts, describing it as a virtue that “quenches every flame.” Respect, she noted, is another cornerstone, as it nurtures harmony in relationships and empowers women to foster unity in their homes. Lastly, she highlighted cleanliness as essential for creating a serene and welcoming environment, noting that it “naturally exhales peace and attracts good things.”
One of the standout aspects of the meeting was its interfaith nature. By bringing together Christian and Muslim women, the program demonstrated how shared values transcend religious differences. Through dialogue and interaction, the participants built mutual trust and understanding, breaking down long-standing ethnic and religious barriers.
A key testimony came from Mrs. Elizabeth Hassan, the coordinator of Bethel Candle of Hope for the Vulnerable. She praised the program, stating, “This initiative shows that true peace cannot be achieved without women at the center of it. I am eager to work with GPW to fight for women, who are often the most vulnerable in our societies.”
The event also resonated deeply with younger women. Amina Alhassan, a newly married attendee, shared how the lessons on love, respect, and cleanliness had inspired her. “Hearing from women outside our community and their experiences was transformative,” she said. “I am grateful for this meeting, and I will take these lessons into my home to build a stronger family.”
The program challenged participants to view peacebuilding as a collective responsibility. By fostering a sense of ownership, the women resolved to take active roles in community peace initiatives. Testimonies highlighted how the meeting inspired them to lead by example and support one another in these efforts.
Mrs. Lucy Abbas Jonathan reflected on the impact of GPW’s work in Hayin Banki, noting a dramatic shift in attitudes. “Before now, talking about issues affecting women was like a taboo in this community. Today, men are at the forefront of advocating for women’s rights and well-being,” she said. She also expressed hope for future engagements that would address economic empowerment to tackle poverty, a pressing issue in the area.
Women from diverse backgrounds formed lasting bonds, committed to advocating for cleaner environments, and pledged to address issues affecting women and girls in their community. The meeting also strengthened partnerships between GPW, GPF Nigeria, and local organizations, paving the way for sustained peace initiatives.
As the participants dispersed, their resolve was clear: peace begins at home, and women are at the heart of making it happen. Through this collaboration, GPW Nigeria continues to advance its mission of creating ethical and cohesive societies, proving that grassroots efforts can inspire lasting change. This event not only empowered the women of Hayin Banki but also set a powerful example of how values-based peacebuilding can transform lives and communities Reinforcing the GPW and GPF’s overarching vision of a united world—One Family under God.
By Wairimu Mwangi
