Bauchi Community Peace Mediators hold September review meeting, treat selves to self-care social therapy

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By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi

Community based Peace Mediators, established by ASHH Foundation, in Ganjuwa and Bauchi local government areas of Bauchi State have held their monthly meeting in their respective communities.

The meeting was held at Central Primary School in Kafin Madaki, Ganjuwa LGA, and Technical Secondary School in Miri, Bauchi LGA

The peace mediator is comprised of women that made up 73 percent of its membership, with men accounting for 27 percent, aligning strongly with the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, which emphasizes the vital role of women’s participation in peacebuilding processes. This highlights the mediators’ commitment to fostering gender inclusion while promoting harmony within their communities.

Amongst the cases discussed were domestic violence and neglect, which are on the rise due to economic hardship, as many families struggle to meet basic obligations. This often leads to tensions that result in domestic violence and the neglect of family responsibilities.

Towards addressing such domestic challenges, the mediators have adopted strategies focused on continuous community enlightenment and sensitization.
According to the mediators, the goal is to consistently educate members of the community on the importance of fulfilling family obligations and maintaining peace, despite economic challenges.

They unanimously emphasized the need for families to work together and avoid letting financial challenges lead to conflict.

The September meeting took a twist shortly after reviewing the community cases where the woman members took to the play grounds and treated themselves to folklore songs and dances popularly known in Hausa land as “Gada” in an atmosphere of laughter and joy.

A peace mediator, Aisha Lawal, joyfully said, “I am so grateful for the exercise today. I can already feel the relief from the stress I have been carrying. It is a wonderful way to recharge and continue with our important work of peace building and conflict mitigation in our communities”.

Fatima Abdullahi, one of the mediators, also expressed her appreciation, stating, “This is exactly what we needed. We are always helping others find peace, but we often forget to nurture ourselves. This self-care session is a wonderful reminder that taking care of ourselves is essential to our work.”

The Peace Mediators program is an activity funded by Women for Women International (WFWI).