On March 13, 2025, women from diverse backgrounds gathered in Kaduna, Nigeria, to mark International Women’s Day with a focus on peacebuilding and collective action. Organized by Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPF Nigeria), Global Peace Women Nigeria (GPW Nigeria), and the PAGED Initiative, among other civil society organizations, the event “Watch Women Win” brought together over 120 participants. Through storytelling, discussions, and personal testimonies, the program showcased the significant contributions of women to peace efforts and encouraged greater participation in conflict resolution.
In her welcome address, Aisha Yakubu of GPW Nigeria emphasized the crucial role women play in fostering peace, highlighting that their contributions to nation-building often go unrecognized. “The importance of peace in the socio-economic development of any society cannot be overemphasized, so also, the importance of women’s voices in peacebuilding,” she stated. She urged women to take ownership of their role in creating harmony within their homes and communities, adding, “We are particularly using the 2025 International Women’s Day to celebrate the efforts of women in peacebuilding initiatives and inspire other women to join, even as we call for accelerated action toward the inclusion of women.”
Echoing this sentiment, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, Country Director of GPF Nigeria, in a speech read by Abdul Ahmed, the organization’s Senior Programs Manager stressed the indispensable role of women in conflict resolution and reconciliation efforts. “At GPF Nigeria, we firmly believe that peacebuilding is incomplete without women, and we recognize that women have played pivotal roles in resolving conflicts, fostering reconciliation, and building bridges between divided communities across Nigeria and beyond,” he stated. Acknowledging the persistent challenges women face, including marginalization and limited access to leadership opportunities, he called for stronger policies and initiatives that amplify women’s voices. Creating safe spaces for women’s voices to be heard, ensuring their inclusion and participation in decision-making, and investing in initiatives that empower women to lead sustainable change were among the key steps he advocated.
The day’s program also featured a special screening of ‘Pray the Devil Back to Hell’, a documentary showcasing the efforts of Liberian women who, despite religious and ethnic differences, united to demand peace during their country’s brutal civil war. The film deeply resonated with the audience, sparking emotional reactions and thought-provoking discussions. Sa’adatu Abdullahi, one of the attendees, reflected on how the women’s resilience inspired her. “The documentary showed that good will always triumph over evil, but only if we take action,” she said.
Other speakers at the event reinforced the theme of action and leadership. Prof. Hauwa Evelyn Yusuf from Kaduna State University urged women to create spaces for themselves instead of waiting to be included. Similarly, Mrs. Elizabeth David Hassan, the Executive Director of Yakwai Human Touch Foundation and Coordinator of Bethel Candle of Hope for Vulnerable, encouraged women to support each other and actively challenge societal injustices. Development consultant
Engr. Amina Abubakar emphasized the need for women to rise beyond gender conflicts and instead focus on leadership and impact.
The event’s impact extended beyond the discussions; women from different religious backgrounds pledged to work together to foster peace, while media representatives and male participants committed to supporting initiatives that amplify women’s voices. Several attendees were so moved by the event that they committed to launching community-based programs to educate young girls about their rights and leadership potential.
As the program concluded, Mrs. Lois Hayab, wife of the GPF Nigeria Country Director, left the audience with a powerful reminder: “Women are not just victims of conflict; they are architects of peace. Together, we can build a future where women’s voices are not only heard but celebrated as essential to stability and progress.”
GPF and GPW have been instrumental in advancing the role of women in peacebuilding by fostering interfaith collaboration, strengthening families, and promoting a culture of service. Through leadership training, advocacy, and grassroots engagement, GPF and GPW provide women globally with the tools to actively shape conflict resolution and reconciliation efforts in their communities.
Learn more about GPW’s work in empowering Women and Families in Peacebuilding. Together, we can build a world where peace truly begins at home.
