The Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), with support from the Ford Foundation, successfully hosted a landmark Culture and Faith Dialogue in Kano State under the theme “Affirming Contributions of Culture and Faith Institutions to the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in Northern Nigeria.”
The dialogue brought together religious leaders, traditional rulers, academics, women’s rights advocates, and community representatives to explore how cultural and faith-based institutions are shaping safer, more equitable societies for women and girls in Northern Nigeria.
Commemorating 65 Years of Partnership and Progress
The event formed part of activities marking the 65th Anniversary of the Ford Foundation’s operations in West Africa, coinciding with Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. The anniversary theme, “From Nation Building to Social Justice,” reflected the Foundation’s continued commitment to fostering equality, inclusion, and justice across the region.
For WRAPA, the dialogue provided an opportunity to celebrate a longstanding partnership with the Ford Foundation, one that has strengthened grassroots efforts to prevent violence against women and girls through community-based and interfaith approaches.
A Dialogue Rooted in Faith, Culture, and Community
The Kano dialogue featured an interfaith open space conversation and a gallery walk that highlighted the evolution of cultural and religious institutions from supportive allies to active champions of gender equity and accountability.
Participants reflected on the shared values of justice, compassion, and respect embedded in faith and culture, and how these values can drive the prevention of violence and the protection of women and girls’ rights.
Habiba Ahmed, WRAPA Senior Programs Officer taking participants through the gallery walk
Kano: A Strategic Hub for Change
The event was organized in partnership with the Centre for Islamic Civilization and Interfaith Dialogue (CICID) at Bayero University, Kano (BUK). The choice of Kano was intentional — recognizing its influence as a cultural and religious center in Northern Nigeria and CICID’s strong reputation as a neutral platform for advancing dialogue, peace, and social justice.
Voices of Commitment
HaJ. Saudatu Mahdi MFR
Speaking at the event, Hajiya Saudatu Mahdi, MFR, Secretary General of WRAPA, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to working with cultural and faith leaders to end violence against women and girls:
“Over the years, WRAPA has worked with religious and traditional leaders to bridge divides and amplify community voices against violence and injustice. This dialogue is a testament to the progress we’ve achieved, transforming institutions of faith and culture from supportive allies to active champions of gender equity and social justice.”
A Step Toward a Safer Future
The Culture and Faith Dialogue in Kano underscored WRAPA’s commitment to promoting gender justice through inclusive, community-led approaches. By engaging cultural and religious leaders, WRAPA continues to affirm that sustainable progress in preventing violence against women and girls must be rooted in collaboration, shared values, and community ownership.
The event concluded with renewed commitments from faith and traditional institutions to strengthen their roles in advocating for gender equality and ensuring that women and girls live free from violence and discrimination
