September 9, Nigeria—Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria worked in collaboration with Bethel Candle of Hope for the Vulnerable to host a two-day capacity-building workshop for women and youth leaders themed “Nonviolent Communication and Leadership Skills” in the Hayin Banki community. This initiative aimed to equip participants with valuable peacebuilding tools and promote responsible leadership within families and communities.
The workshop theme strongly resonated with GPF Nigeria’s partner; Global Peace Women’s (GPW) mantra is “Peace Begins in the Home.” Through this lens, participants were encouraged to view nonviolent communication as a powerful conflict-resolution strategy, essential for nurturing peace at every level—from the family unit to society at large.
Women show support for the Peace Begins in the Home campaign.
Mrs. Lois John Joseph Hayab, wife of the GPF Nigeria country director, delivered a powerful and insightful talk emphasizing the role of women in peacebuilding. She highlighted the importance of collaborative partnerships in creating strong family foundations, instilling values, raising children with integrity, and, most importantly, prioritizing self-care. Her message struck a chord with many women in attendance, sparking meaningful discussions about how women can be the drivers of peace and stability within their homes and communities.
The workshop elicited heartfelt reflections and feedback from women, many of whom left feeling empowered and ready to implement the lessons learned.
Lucy Abbas, a mother of three, shared how the message of Peace Begins in the Home has inspired her to cultivate healthier and more collaborative relationships within her family. She now feels more equipped to foster peace, not just within her immediate household but also in her extended family.
Jamila Abdullahi, a middle-aged participant, reflected on how timely and practical the training on nonviolent communication had been. On the second day of the workshop, she intervened in a potential altercation between local youth, using the techniques she had learned to de-escalate the situation. Her gratitude to GPF Nigeria was palpable, and she expressed hope that more support would be extended to orphaned children in her community.
Nigerian woman shares during the capacity building workshop.
Amina Ahmad Usman, a grandmother, recalled the days when family values were deeply ingrained in society. Mrs. Hayab’s message reminded her of how communities once collaborated to raise children and uphold moral standards. She emphasized that the loss of these values has led to instability in today’s society and advocated for a return to these principles.
Mary Onyenagwa, known as “the mother of hundreds” due to her long-standing commitment to teaching Bible studies to children, reiterated the need for women to embody peace. As she put it, “We can’t give what we don’t have.” Her statement encapsulated the essential role of inner peace for women aiming to be active participants in peacebuilding efforts.
The two-day workshop was a value-packed event, offering participants not just skills and knowledge, but also a renewed sense of purpose in their roles as leaders. Aisha Yakubu, the Project Leader for Global Peace Women Nigeria, was also in attendance and reiterated the importance of the “Peace Begins in the Home” message, further galvanizing the women to take action within their communities.
This workshop marks a significant step toward fostering nonviolent communication, responsible leadership, and collaborative peacebuilding efforts in Kaduna State. It focuses on empowering women to take an active role in shaping a more peaceful society. The event is an example of the critical importance of community-based initiatives that address the root causes of conflict while promoting leadership and nonviolent communication as tools for sustainable peace. GPF Nigeria and Bethel Candle of Hope’s collaboration serves as a model for how grassroots organizations can inspire meaningful change at the local level.
