By Victoria Okpanachi
The Kogi State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) has taken a bold step in advocating for peace and gender equality by organising a road walk to support the cause.
The awareness campaign, which was held on friday in Lokoja, sought to highlight the impact of gender-based violence, advocate for gender equality, and promote peacebuilding as a vital aspect of its continued engagement with local communities.
Addressing the gathering, the Livelihood and Grievance Redress Specialist at ACReSAL, Mrs. Vivien Yunusa, emphasised that the essence of the road walk was to send a strong message about the importance of peacebuilding in community development, while frowning at all forms of gender based violence.
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She noted that achieving successful projects within communities requires a stable and harmonious environment where both men and women can work without fear of violence or intimidation.
Mrs Vivien stressed that men and women should have the right to work without violence or intimidation. This is why ACReSAL is urging all stakeholders to unite in the fight against gender-based violence and promote peacebuilding in the state.
She further reiterated that violence and discrimination hinder development efforts, stressing that communities must unite to create an environment that fosters progress.
According to her ACReSAL project has four ways of resolving conflict, recognising that peaceful coexistence fosters development.
Mrs. Vivien stated that the road walk will take place across the three senatorial districts, with its commencement in the state capital.
Participants of the walk expressed their support for the initiative, calling on government agencies, traditional rulers, and civil society to take proactive measures in addressing gender-based violence and building peace in their different communities.
The ACReSAL project, which focuses on improving resilience in semi-arid landscapes, understands that social stability is vital for the success of its interventions.
By addressing gender-based violence and promoting peaceful collaboration in workplaces, the project is ensuring that both men and women can actively participate in and benefit from its initiatives without fear or discrimination.
The road walk which commenced at Ganaja junction all through Paparanda to NTA roundabout, serves as a reminder that peace is not just a necessity but a shared responsibility.
