Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN) has engaged residents of Dandagoro Community in Batagarawa Local Government Area of Katsina State on preventing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), challenging harmful social norms and creating more opportunities for women and young people to participate in community affairs.
The community awareness session was organised under the SAFE Katsina: Strengthening Access, Protection and Empowerment for Women and Youth project, with support from SPRiNG, Tetra Tech International Development and UK International Development.
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Challenging Norms That Hold Communities Back
The engagement provided a platform for community members and stakeholders to examine social norms and practices that can affect the safety, rights and participation of women, girls and young people.
Participants discussed how some attitudes and practices can contribute to discrimination, exclusion and vulnerability to violence, while considering practical steps communities can take to promote more positive behaviours.
The discussions encouraged community members to see the prevention of SGBV as a shared responsibility rather than an issue that should only concern survivors, families or service providers.
Improving Awareness Of Support And Reporting
Another key focus of the session was the importance of knowing where to seek help when cases of SGBV occur.
Participants were encouraged to become familiar with available reporting and referral pathways so that survivors can be connected to appropriate support and services.
The discussion also highlighted the need for stronger community support systems that can help people affected by violence access assistance without facing further stigma or isolation.
By improving awareness at community level, the engagement sought to encourage earlier reporting, appropriate referrals and greater community responsibility for preventing violence.
Creating Space For Women And Young People
The session also moved beyond SGBV prevention to discuss the participation of women and youth in peacebuilding and community decision-making.
Participants considered the importance of giving women and young people opportunities to contribute to conversations and decisions affecting their communities.
For women and youth, meaningful participation can provide a stronger voice in discussions around community safety, conflict prevention, governance and other issues that directly affect their lives.
The conversation is particularly relevant as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 electoral process, with greater participation of women and young people seen as important to inclusive civic and political processes.
Community Voices And Local Action
The Dandagoro engagement also allowed participants to share their perspectives on challenges affecting their community and discuss actions that can be taken locally.
Rather than focusing only on awareness, the session encouraged participants to consider how families, community leaders and other stakeholders can contribute to preventing violence, supporting vulnerable people and creating an environment where women and young people can participate more actively.
PWAN’s approach places community members at the centre of these conversations, allowing local experiences and concerns to inform discussions around protection, inclusion and peacebuilding.
The engagement is part of wider efforts under SAFE Katsina to strengthen access, protection and empowerment for women and youth while promoting safer and more inclusive communities.
For Dandagoro, the conversation provided an opportunity to bring issues of violence prevention, community support and inclusive participation closer to residents and encourage them to take part in building safer communities.
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