Training of Community Gender-Based Violence Champions (as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2025)

Participants were trained on gender concepts, types and impacts of GBV, relevant laws and women’s rights, referral pathways, ethical and survivor-centred case management, and skills to develop community-led action plans. The methodology was highly participatory, using presentations, group discussions, role-plays, case studies, scripture-based reflections (Bible and Qur’an verses supporting gender equality and condemning GBV), and practical exercises.

Over the three days, participants examined cultural and religious norms, mapped local referral networks, and in community groups developed and presented SMART community-specific action plans for 2026. Each of the 8 communities established a GBV Community Response Team, received paralegal certificates and ID cards, and were linked to Area Council GBV desk officers, NAPTIP, NHRC, Ministry of Women Affairs, WRAPA and other service providers.

· Participants highly appreciated the use of local languages, real-life examples, and the session on religious scriptures that clearly showed both Islam and Christianity support gender equality and condemn GBV.

· The issuance of certificates and ID cards significantly boosted participants’ confidence and legitimacy in their communities.

· Cross-community interaction fostered solidarity and shared learning.

Recommendations:

· Extend future trainings by at least half a day to allow more time for action-plan development and referral pathway mapping.

· Pre-print and distribute simplified VAPP Act booklets and referral directories in English and Hausa.

· Schedule quarterly mentorship and follow-up visits starting January 2026.

· 40 community paralegals/GBV champions (100% of target) fully trained and certified.

· 8 practical, community-owned GBV prevention and response action plans developed with clear timelines and responsibilities.

· Functional referral linkages established between champions and government institutions/CSOs.

· Increased knowledge, skills and confidence among participants to identify, document, refer, and prevent GBV cases.

· Commitment from all 8 communities to immediately begin implementation of their action plans.

1. Mohammad, Pasepa community, Bwari: “Now I understand Gender Based Violence as a crime. I am going back to teach the men in my community that real manhood is protecting women, not harming them.”

2. Zuwaira, Gwalada community, AMAC: “I always felt helpless when I heard neighbours fighting their wives. Now I know where to take a survivor, how to document safely, and that I have the right and responsibility to speak. This training has given me courage.”