Support female survivors of Boko Haram in Nigeria

Dear friends,

Happy New Year from International Alert!

Our work in Nigeria increased in the last few months of 2023 as we began a new project to build peace through climate action, and continued ongoing support to strengthen security approaches to violent extremism, promote stability and access to justice.

Much of this work involves strengthening the role of women and girls in peace and security efforts and working to prevent sexual and gender-based violence in communities.

One way we are helping to do this is by creating safe spaces for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) to go. The communities we work in have donated buildings and land for this purpose which Alert has renovated with the help of our partners. This work will ensure that survivors of SGBV have safe spaces in their communities with access to first aid and strong referral pathways to additional support.

Since October we have also delivered community-based initiatives in 9 locations that enhance community understanding of harmful cultural norms and practices that promote SGBV including community theatre, storytelling, comedy and cultural dances. The aim of these activities is to impede harmful cultural norms that promote female genital mutilation, child marriage, forced marriage, widowhood rites, widow disinheritance, male-child preference, girl-child neglect and forced sterilization that sustains sexual and gender-based violence in communities.

Reflecting on the community theatre, one audience member said:

“This drama on harmful cultural norms and practices that promote SGBV really touched me. We the parents at times are at fault, we should not hold on to what our forefathers have done in the olden days in this present era. The lifestyle and situation of then is totally different from now. This initiative by Global Peace Development and International Alert Nigeria has really opened my eyes to different perspective of life. Anyone who did not learn a lesson from the drama has really cheated his/herself and I urge you to refrain from such practices so that we can have a more developed community”

Another community member noted that:

“It really proved that the girl child is an asset to the community and the nation at large. We must not relent to embrace them. The message from the drama is really a good message. Just as we know, some of our norms and culture are really bringing us backward instead of moving forward. I am really happy about this message so we must say No to sexual and gender-based violence so that the community and the nation at large will move forward”

With your support through this work, along with other activities, Alert and our partners are improving the lives of communities in Northwest Nigeria, including women and girls.

We thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to peace.