Policy Advocacy and Legal Reform

LANW has contributed to the review of existing legal and policy frameworks that promote the rights of women and children in Kaduna State while also supporting development of policies around disaster mitigation and preparedness in Kaduna notably:

• The domestication of the Child Rights Act into Kaduna State Child Protection and Welfare Law and getting endorsements of traditional / faith-based gatekeepers to champion its enforcement.
• Advocacy for a Kaduna State Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill.
• Advocacy for the passage and implementation of the Violence against Persons Prohibition law.
• Advocacy for the adoption and implementation of the Kaduna State Gender and Social Inclusion Policy.
• Participation in developing the 2ND Kaduna State Action Plans on UN Security Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
• Participation in the adoption of the Kaduna State Action Plan on Youth Peace and Security.
• Development of the Kaduna State Gender Policy in Agriculture.
• Kaduna State Contingency Plan
• Emergency Preparedness Plan for Chikun and Kaduna North Local Government Areas
• Strategic Plan for the State Emergency Management Agency
• Kaduna State Hazard Mapping and Disaster Preparedness Policy

Legal Services and Gender-Based Violence Response

LANW provides free legal and psychosocial counseling for survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and has established GBV Reporting and Response Committees in communities and IDP camps. The organization is part of the Technical Working Group on GBV Response in Kaduna State as well as a member of the Technical Implementation of the 2nd Kaduna State Action Plan on Women Peace and Security.

Key Projects Implemented

• Voices 4 Change (V4C): Strengthened gender justice in Kaduna’s tertiary institutions, reaching over 1,900 students and engaging 100+ religious and traditional leaders to promote gender equality.
• Voice to the People (V2P): Mobilized marginalized groups to participate in governance, leading to institutionalized citizen participation in the state budget process.
• Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP/DFID): Strengthened peacebuilding and reduced gender-based violence in Kaduna State by mobilizing communities, establishing peace clubs, and empowering women, girls, and youth to advocate for their rights and participate in governance.
• Get Out the Votes (GOTV) and Stop Violence Against Women in Politics (VAWIP): Encouraged women’s voter participation and tackled political violence through the establishment of a Survivor Service Center.
• Strengthening Accountability and Transparency in the Education Sector (STATNES): Monitored the use of education funds, improving service delivery through community engagement.
• Evidence and Collaboration for Inclusive Development (ECID): Supported education access in rural areas and empowered marginalized groups to advocate for their rights.
• VAPP Law and Gender Equity Implementation: Facilitated the implementation of the VAPP Law, supporting the Sexual Assault and Referral Center in improving GBV incident reporting.
• COVID-19 Humanitarian Response: Provided emergency relief, health education, and protection services to vulnerable communities during the pandemic.
• Humanitarian Response for Conflict-Affected Populations: Supported 253 households in Southern Kaduna with relief materials, disaster risk reduction training, and peacebuilding initiatives.
• Enhancing Gender-Inclusive Rural Economy: Contributed to strengthening capacity of women farmers on networking and advocacy and facilitated the domestication of the National Gender Policy in Agriculture in Kaduna and Niger States.
• Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE): Advocated for improved justice service delivery in handling SGBV cases across multiple states.
• WE-You Pro Project: Mobilized young people and women to join politics and lead voter awareness and democratic participation ahead of the 2023 elections.
• Empowering Women to Build Resilient Communities (GCERF/CBLA): Strengthened women’s leadership, economic empowerment, and community resilience in Kaduna State by training women as peace ambassadors, supporting VSLA initiatives, and promoting inclusive peacebuilding to prevent violent extremism.
• Social Response and Safety Project: Support for mitigating disaster, building community resilience and strengthening government systems and coordination for disaster risk reduction in Kaduna and Jigawa States.