Aïssatou Adamou is a councilor in the municipality of Tillabéry, Niger. Within the Tillabéry government, she is president of social and cultural affairs and an advocate for women and children's rights. She also leads a women's group of 40 women who she counsels and guides on topics such as financial management, female leadership, entrepreneurial pursuits, and negotiation skills.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Promoting Social Cohesion and A Culture of Peace in a Context of Security Crisis in Tillabéry, Including Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

The project supported young men and women to develop peacebuilding capacities in times of crisis. Through trainings on conflict management, collaboration between civilians and police, and gender-based violence, the project improved stability in the Tillabéry area by reducing conflict between displaced people within the region and local population. Women were of particular importance to this project, with several meetings with women's groups to raise awareness about the role of women in times of conflict. These focus groups also empowered women when it comes to promoting social cohesion and inclusion.

Aïssatou held a meeting with local authorities, police, and the members of the regional council to discuss the importance of finding solutions to living with and adjusting to the arrival of displaced people in Tillabéry with special attention to the effects on women and their safety. The meeting allowed her to gain the support and cooperation of key stakeholders in improving the livelihoods of the citizens of Tillabéry.  

With support from fellow councilwomen, Aïssatou led five awareness campaigns in the districts of her city, discussing how to maintain security and reduce tensions between the newly arrived displaced population and the residents. She stressed the importance of social cohesion and the safety of women during this transition period for the community. Through her awareness campaigns, Aïssatou was able to reach 500 people and promote collaboration among the different political parties of her municipal council along with support from traditional leaders in smaller districts.

"This [project] will change the mentality of the population because in the history of Tillabéry, it [will be the] first time that elected women of different political [parties] will work together... we have understood the need [to unite] to consolidate peace and maintain the development of the [town]." - Aïssatou Adamou

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Aïssatou was a participant in the IVLP Project Women Leaders - Promoting Peace and Security, organized by the U.S. Department of State and World Learning.

Aïssatou's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "I hope to bring about a change in the mentality of as many people as possible and to unite them in the fight against instability within the Tillabéry region of Niger."

U.S. Communities Visited

Denver, CO; Washington, DC; Orlando, FL

"The IVLP program is an experience that has greatly contributed to strengthening my [skillset], especially in terms of peacebuilding and conflict [resolution].
Thanks to the IVLP program, I have made discoveries, forged links, and [built] relationships that have allowed me today to have the opportunity to participate in the IVLP Impact Award." - Aïssatou Adamou

Country: Niger 

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