Spring 2021

Program in focus A closer look at Creative’s work in action

Nigeria Nigeria Lake Chad Basin Program

“My hope for them is to become strong women, and that they can stand up for each other and promote peace and security.”

- Rukayya Jibrin, Women, Peace and Security Project Manager

In Northeast Nigeria, women-led groups are taking the lead in promoting peace in their communities. Through Women for Peace Platforms, 900 women regularly mobilize to discuss local issues and advocate for solutions in a region devastated by conflict. The USAID/OTI Nigeria Lake Chad Basin program established the platforms across seven locations in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. In the Northeast, social structures and inequalities often marginalize women and girls and exclude them from decision making processes. The platforms create a space for them to take on leadership roles, working together on local issues related to security, peacebuilding and economic development. An independent analysis found that communities more regularly include Women for Peace members in their decision making. Through the platform, the women found a local network of support and strengthened social cohesion. More than 90 percent of members report that their sense of wellbeing has improved after taking part in the program. Through the new USAID Northeast Connection program, Creative will continue to support the de- velopment of women’s leadership in the region. n

Photo by JimHuylebroek

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