Kogiflame
The Development Initiative of West Africa (DIWA) has trained 210 Muslims from three states on Gender-Base Violence across three states namely Kogi, Niger and Benue.
It comprises Muslims religious leaders, community influencers, youth representatives, and women advocates who play critical roles in shaping community norms and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Program Manager Diwa, Musa El-Thani Muhammad, while speaking with Newsmen in Lokoja said the Step-Down Training (SDT 2) under the project is titled “Empowering Muslim Religious and Community Leaders as Gatekeepers and Champions Towards Addressing Gender-Based Violence.”
According to him, SDT 2 focused on equipping participants with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to identify, prevent, and respond effectively to Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
His words, “DIWA Concludes Step-Down Training (SDT 2) on Empowering Muslim Religious and Community Leaders as Gatekeepers and Champions Towards Addressing Gender-Based Violence.
“The training which held from 10th to 14th November across Benue, Kogi, Kwara, and Makurdi, brought together Two Hundred and Ten (210) Muslim religious leaders, community influencers, youth representatives, and women advocates who play critical roles in shaping community norms and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“The sessions covered
Understanding GBV and its impact on families and communities
The role of religious teachings in promoting gender justice
Strengthening community structures to protect vulnerable groups, enhancing collaboration between community actors and service provider
“Using faith-based messages to challenge harmful norms and support survivors through interactive discussions, group work, and real-life scenario sessions, participants deepened their capacity to serve as gatekeepers and champions—actively contributing to safer, more inclusive, and more resilient communities.
The participants are expected to carry out the knowledge and skills gained by using their various platforms—such as mosques, community forums, youth groups, and women networks—to raise awareness, challenge harmful norms, support survivors, and promote messages that prevent Gender-Based Violence within their communities.
“DIWA remains committed to supporting faith and community leaders, recognizing their vital role in shaping behaviours and community responses to gender-based violence.
“We extend our appreciation to all facilitators, partners, and participants whose dedication ensured the success of SDT 2. The project continues to reinforce DIWA’s vision for a just society where every individual, regardless of gender, lives free from violence and discrimination.
