In northern Nigeria, Christian-Muslim religious conflict has existed since the 1950s, with more attacks, abductions, and incidents of sexual and gender-related violence than could ever be covered by the media.
In Jos, the Mai Adiko Peace Project – also known as Women for Peace – was launched by the Diocese of Jos to reconcile the Christian and Muslim communities in Rayfield, an area that had witnessed widespread violence and devastation. In 2013, Saturday morning meetings were started for Christian and Muslim women, where entrepreneurial skills were taught. When the meetings began in March, there were around 40 women and youths attending, but by June there were 118 female attendees – 80 Muslims and 38 Christians.
Not only do these meetings provide training in skills such as sewing, reading, and computing, but attendees are also helped to generate an income for themselves. Classes are taught in soap-making for supplying to shops, and women are taught how to cook ceremonial dishes so that they can be hired to cater for events. Interest-free loans are also given to women so that, for example, basic cooking equipment can be bought to start their catering services.
HART’s in-country partners, the Diocese of Jos, note the progress made between the religious groups: Muslims and Christians work together, learn skills from each other, share food together and visit one another. Crucially, through peacebuilding and reconciliation, women from both religions have gained skills that can be used to achieve financial independence.
Set against the backdrop of continued ethno-religious struggles for territory, economic opportunities, and agricultural resources in Northern and Middle-belt Nigeria, Women for Peace is achieving the twin victories of peacebuilding and women’s empowerment, illustrating that:
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