WRAPA recently held a Co-Creation Workshop for the establishment and operationalization of the Nana Asma’u Resource Centre (NARC) at its office in Utako, Abuja. Supported by the Ford Foundation, the two-day event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, international organizations, service providers, and survivors of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). The purpose of the workshop was to collaboratively design the foundational components of NARC, a center dedicated to providing critical support to survivors of violence in Nigeria.
The Nana Asma’u Resource Centre aims to be a comprehensive hub that offers legal aid, psychosocial support, safe housing, vocational training, and long-term rehabilitation to women and girls affected by VAWG. By engaging key actors from various sectors, WRAPA sought to create a resource centre that not only meets the immediate needs of survivors but also provides sustainable services for their long-term recovery and empowerment.
The workshop was conducted in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and virtual participation. This inclusive approach ensured that a wide range of perspectives and expertise was represented, contributing to a robust and well-rounded discussion on how best to support survivors. Participants explored several critical areas, including service provision, sustainability mechanisms, and business components necessary for the long-term success of the resource centre.
Facilitated by Abdallah & Amelot Advisors, the workshop featured Assoc. Prof. Abdullahi Ya’u as the lead facilitator and Dr. Muhammad Hadi Musa as co-facilitator. Over the two days, the workshop was divided into four key sessions, focusing on sustainability mechanisms, service providers, business components, and survivor support. Each session provided participants with the opportunity to delve into essential aspects of the centre’s operations, ensuring that the solutions developed were both practical and survivor-centered.
In addition to the discussions held during the workshop, a post-event survey was conducted to gather further insights from participants. This feedback will be instrumental in refining the final plans for NARC and ensuring that the centre’s services align with the actual needs and preferences of survivors and stakeholders alike.
With the successful conclusion of the Co-Creation Workshop, WRAPA is now moving forward with the establishment of the Nana Asma’u Resource Centre. This vital resource will play a critical role in supporting survivors of VAWG in Nigeria, offering them the comprehensive care they need to rebuild their lives. WRAPA and its partners remain committed to ensuring that NARC becomes a beacon of hope and empowerment for women and girls across the country.
