Alternative Dispute Resolution: NGO Trains 50 Women Mediators in Kaduna
By: Edirin Robinson
A Non-governmental organization (NGO) Centre for Law Enforcement Education in Nigeria (CLEEN) Foundation, in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government, has trained over 50 Women mediators in the State to enhance conflict resolution and peacebuilding through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) skills.
Speaking at the one-day training workshop for the National Women Mediators Network on 9th September 2024, the Programs Director, Mr Salaudeen Hashim, said the goal of the training is to enhance the ADR skills of the participants through the Kaduna State Multi-Door Courthouse (KMDC) ADR Center.
He disclosed that, after careful consideration of research studies on the effectiveness of Women’s roles in peacebuilding, the Foundation decided to empower selected Women who were doing well in various sectors as representatives of the Women Mediators Network.
According to him, the training, with support from the Norwegian Embassy and the United Nations (UN) Women, will go a long way in equipping women Mediators with the necessary skills for peace-building in the State, Nation, and World at large.
He added that it would enhance understanding and practical application of various ADR methods, including Arbitration, Meditation, Native laws and customs, Sulhu, Trauma healing, and restorative justice that can be applied in real-world conflict resolution scenarios.
The Program Director commended the State Government for granting the Network free access to the KMDC, noting that it will aid the resolution of conflict and peacebuilding in the State and enhance positive growth.
The Director of the Kaduna State Multi-Door Courthouse, Mrs. Sa’adatu Hamma, in her presentation titled: Digital Tools for Peacebuilding, harped on the need for Mediators to utilize the efficiency of digital resources in conflict resolution.
According to her, digital tools have revolutionized many sectors hence the need to improve on digital skills to aid effective communication and presentation during conflict resolution.
She disclosed that the State Government is willing to support and train more women through the Multi-door courthouse to enhance conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
Speaking earlier, in her presentation of an overview of the ADR concept, Mrs Dorcas Levy Daniel noted that communication is the backbone of mediation as it helps in clarifying misunderstandings and causing disputes.
She admonished the participants to take advantage of the skills learned, saying it would help them become better nation-builders.
One of the Participants, Blessing Eco, thanked the Organisers for the workshop, saying it has created a positive change in her mindset.
She promised to implement all she has learned in her community and organization, to ensure that conflict is resolved peacefully without violence.
