Nigeria (Pixabay)
By. Monica Peter Zamani Ango WWO Ambassador and President of the CCCMN and Sr. Maureen Ogundeph (Community Manager of WWO in Africa)
In the predominantly Muslim city of Zaria, Nigeria, the settlement of Wusasa stands out for its unique blend of Christian and Muslim families. This diversity, however, did not shield Asabe from the severe persecution she faced due to her Christian faith. Married to a Muslim man named Usman, Asabe’s life took a dark turn when her immediate family began to pressure her to convert to Islam aggressively. The threats escalated to the point where her life was in danger, and she was subjected to starvation, maltreatment, and separation from her children.
Fleeing to Kaduna, Asabe wandered the streets until she found refuge in a cathedral during a midweek mass. Though not a Catholic, she was introduced to the Justice, Development, and Peace Caritas Commission (JDPC) of the parish. Here, she found the support and counselling she desperately needed. The JDPC provided her with emotional support and empowered her to start a small business, giving her a means to sustain herself.
Despite her initial scepticism about her safety in Kaduna, the warm reception and constant encouragement from the JDPC helped Asabe regain her faith and hope. The reassurance that she would eventually reunite with her children was a beacon of hope in her dark times. Her bold decision to leave a toxic environment and seek genuine help was pivotal in her transformation. Asabe’s unwavering faith and strength not only impacted her own life but also inspired those around her.
The collaborative efforts of the JDPC and the Confraternity of Catholic Christian Mothers Nigeria (CCCMN) played a crucial role in liberating Asabe from the violence and challenges she faced. This story underscores the importance of leadership, awareness, collaboration, and networking in addressing the issues faced by vulnerable women.
The mission of the World Women Observatory (WWO) aligns perfectly with Asabe’s story. The WWO aims to give visibility to women, especially the most vulnerable, who often seem invisible in their suffering and potential. By inspiring and generating pastoral strategies, and synergies with NGOs and public policies, the WWO seeks to foster the integral human development of women and their communities. Asabe’s journey from persecution to empowerment exemplifies the WWO’s objectives of eradicating violence and discrimination against women, promoting solidarity, and highlighting the role of women in community leadership.
In conclusion, Asabe’s story is a testament to the transformative power of faith, resilience, and the support of compassionate organizations. It highlights the critical need for continued efforts to uplift and empower women, ensuring they live with dignity and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
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