Addressing Gender, Trauma Healing and Peacebuilding in Muslim Communities—Aisha Aliyu

Prince Charles Dickson (PCD): Welcome, Aisha Aliyu. We'd like to delve into your work on gender, trauma healing, and peacebuilding within Muslim communities in Nigeria. Can you share with us the objectives and approach of your initiatives in these areas?

Aisha Aliyu (AA): Thank you for having me. Our initiative in my organisation is aimed at addressing the profound impact of conflict on individuals and communities, particularly women and children. Conflict in the North Central part of Nigeria has taken a big toll on the population. What we do is focus on trauma healing as a foundational step toward peacebuilding with an emphasis on Muslim communities. Our approach combines Islamic teachings, community dialogues, and counselling to provide psychosocial support and empower survivors of conflict-related trauma.

PCD: That's a holistic approach. Could you elaborate on how you integrate Islamic teachings into your trauma healing and peacebuilding programmes, especially as some of the conflicts involve clashes between members of different faiths?

AA: Certainly. In Muslim communities, religion plays a central role in people's lives. We incorporate Quranic teachings on forgiveness, resilience, and compassion into our trauma healing sessions. But it is important to note that even within the Muslim communities there are interfaith conflicts as a result of doctrinal issues. We also engage Islamic scholars and leaders to provide spiritual guidance and counselling. This approach resonates with participants and helps them find solace and strength in their faith because of the engagement of these scholars.

PCD: It's fascinating to see the synergy between faith and healing in your work. How do you ensure the inclusion of women's voices and experiences in the peacebuilding process?

AA: Inclusivity is paramount. We create safe spaces for women to share their experiences, perspectives, and aspirations. Our spaces are often women-led, allowing participants to express themselves freely. We also facilitate women's participation in community peace committees, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes, we do this by involving key stakeholders amongst the *Muslim Ulama.

PCD: That's a crucial aspect of sustainable peacebuilding. Can you share a specific example of how trauma healing has led to positive peace outcomes in your work?

AA: We worked in a community in Gombe deeply affected by conflict-related trauma. Through our trauma healing sessions, women who were once isolated and stigmatised due to their experiences with Boko Haram, began to open up and support one another. They formed a women's peace group that played a pivotal role in mediating conflicts within their community. This not only reduced violence but also fostered reconciliation, and we are working on replicating same, in partnership to create a comprehensive trauma healing hub.

PCD: That's a remarkable transformation. How do you engage men and boys in your initiatives, considering the gender dynamics in the region?

AA: Engaging men and boys is essential to challenge harmful stereotypes and promote gender equality. While the Quran provides safety nets in teachings for women, the culture and traditions in these contexts are patriarchal, so we conduct workshops and awareness campaigns that emphasise the importance of women's participation in peacebuilding. By involving men and boys as allies, we've seen shifts in attitudes, with many becoming advocates for gender equality and peace. We have a closely united He4She community of men working with us.

PCD: It's clear that your work is making a significant impact. What challenges do you face in promoting trauma healing and peacebuilding in these communities?

AA: We face several challenges, including as number one having limited resources, security concerns in conflict-affected areas, and resistance to change from individuals and traditional structures. Additionally, addressing the psychosocial needs of survivors requires specialised training and expertise. And the fact that we want to expand both as an organization and our reach.. Despite these challenges, our commitment to healing and peace remains unwavering.

PCD: Lastly, what is your vision for the future of trauma healing and peacebuilding in Muslim communities in Nigeria?

AA: My vision is for not just Muslim communities to become models of resilience, reconciliation, and gender-inclusive peacebuilding, but for all communities. I envision a future where the scars of conflict are transformed into sources of strength and unity. To achieve this, we must continue our efforts in trauma healing, empower women, and engage the entire community in building lasting peace.

PCD: Thank you, Aisha Aliyu, for sharing your insights into the vital work you're doing in gender, trauma healing, and peacebuilding in Nigerian Muslim communities. Your dedication to creating positive change is commendable.

AA: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these critical issues. It's my hope that our work contributes to a more peaceful and inclusive society for all.

The Muslim Ulama are Islamic scholars specializing in Islamic law, theology, and jurisprudence. They interpret religious texts, provide guidance, and shape Islamic thought and practice. Respected as custodians of Islamic knowledge, they serve as religious leaders, educators, and advisors, addressing contemporary issues through Islamic principles while preserving the faith's traditions.

Aisha Aliyu is Executive Director for Unique Centre for Peacebuilding and Trauma Healing, Plateau Nigeria