The Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) embarked on a transformative journey across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, aimed at empowering women and girls to lead efforts in preventing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in their communities. This initiative, part of the BUILD Grant project funded by the Ford Foundation, is a critical step toward reinforcing community-level capacity and resilience against VAWG.

The project kicked off with a three-day consultative meeting held in each of the six geopolitical zones, bringing together a diverse group of participants, including WRAPA members, volunteers, government representatives, leaders of faith and culture, and other key stakeholders. These meetings served as a platform to foster dialogue and collaboration on strategies to address VAWG and to establish a robust network of community support systems.

A significant outcome of these meetings was the launch of 10 WRAPA volunteers in each zone. These volunteers, in collaboration with the Women of Resilience, will play a pivotal role in establishing community safe spaces and creating referral pathways for women and girls, especially in hard-to-reach areas. The aim is to ensure that vulnerable women and girls have access to support, protection, and resources in times of need.

During these consultative meetings, WRAPA Secretary General, Hajiya Saudatu Mahdi MFR, delivered an inspiring message to both new and existing members, urging them to remain vigilant and proactive in responding to incidents of VAWG. She emphasized the importance of solidarity among women and girls in combating violence, and called on volunteers to be steadfast in supporting one another in the collective campaign against all forms of violence.

Haj. Saudatu Mahdi MFR, WRAPA Secretary General