KADUNA — In a strategic move to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the Together We Can (TWC) Project hosted a high-level community mobilization activity on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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The event, held in commemoration of International Women’s Day, brought together stakeholders, government officials, and community members to address the persistent challenges of Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG).
The initiative focused on shifting the narrative from silent endurance to collective community action, emphasizing that the protection of women is a shared societal responsibility.
A Call for Collective Vigilance
Speaking during the event, the Project Manager for Together We Can detailed the organization’s mission, noting that the project is designed to create sustainable safety nets within local government areas.
Adding technical depth to the discussion, Juliana Joseph, the EVAWG Technical Expert, outlined the core objectives of the gathering.
“Our organization is built on the belief that localized action is the only way to dismantle systemic violence. We held this meeting to bridge the gap between policy and the people. My expectation from the participants today is simple: do not leave this knowledge in this hall.
We expect every community member here to become a ‘first responder’—someone who recognizes the signs of abuse and knows exactly how to trigger the support system we have put in place.” She said.
Government Commitment: Shelters and Safeguarding
Representing the state’s regulatory and support framework, Mr. Umar Abubakar Muhammad, the Principal Social Affairs Officer at the Ministry of Women Affairs, reassured the public of the government’s active role in crisis management. He highlighted the practical resources available to survivors and the impact of continuous advocacy.
” The Ministry is not just about advocacy; we provide physical safety. We have established functional shelters across the region to provide immediate refuge for women fleeing violent environments. Our safeguarding process is rigorous—once a case is reported, we provide medical, legal, and psychological support.
Statistics show that enlightenment programs like this TWC activity are working; as people become more aware of the consequences and the available help, we are seeing a gradual but steady reduction in reported cases of violence.” He said.
The event concluded with a community pledge, where local leaders and youth representatives committed to maintaining a “zero-tolerance” zone for violence in their respective domains. As the 2026 International Women’s Day celebrations continue, the TWC project remains a pivotal example of how synergy between NGOs and the Ministry of Women Affairs can create a safer environment for the most vulnerable.
With the 2027 goal of a 30% reduction in local GBV cases in sight, the “Together We Can” project serves as a reminder that while laws are written in offices, justice is often won on the streets of our communities.
