By Maryam Diallo
Faith Committee Marks World Breastfeeding Week Across Kaduna State
Women Interfaith Leaders Promote Breastfeeding as a Human Right and Foundation for Sustainable Peace
The Zonal Faith Committees under the Strengthening Women Interfaith Leadership, Human Rights, Transitional Justice and Democratic Stability in Kaduna State project are commemorating World Breastfeeding Week 2026 with advocacy and community engagement activities across the three project zones of Kafanchan, Zaria, and Kaduna Central in Kaduna State.
Observed globally from August 1–7, World Breastfeeding Week is being marked this year under the theme, “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.” In line with this theme, the Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC) has mobilised Christian and Muslim women leaders, religious leaders, youth groups, healthcare stakeholders, and community members to promote breastfeeding as a fundamental child right, a maternal health priority, and a critical investment in peaceful and resilient communities.
The campaign recognises that supporting breastfeeding extends beyond healthcare. It is a matter of human rights, family well-being, and social development. By creating supportive environments for mothers and infants, communities contribute to healthier children, stronger families, and lasting peace.
Speaking on the significance of the campaign, the Faith Committees reaffirmed that both Christianity and Islam uphold the protection of children and the dignity of mothers.
The Holy Bible declares:
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you.” — Isaiah 49:15
Similarly, the Holy Qur’an states:
“Mothers shall breastfeed their children for two whole years, for those who wish to complete the nursing period.” — Surah Al-Baqarah (2:233)
These scriptural teachings underscore the shared commitment of both faiths to nurturing children and supporting mothers. Through this campaign, women of faith are demonstrating that shared religious values can inspire collective action for healthier families and more peaceful communities.
The Faith Committees therefore call on all relevant government agencies, traditional and religious institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations, employers, and members of the public to establish safe, supportive, and breastfeeding-friendly environments for mothers in homes, workplaces, markets, healthcare facilities, and public institutions.
This initiative further reinforces the Interfaith Mediation Centre’s commitment to promoting democratic stability, human rights, and transitional justice by providing inclusive platforms where women from different faith backgrounds collaborate on shared priorities that improve the health and well-being of children, families, and communities.
Through the Strengthening Women Interfaith Leadership, Human Rights, Transitional Justice and Democratic Stability in Kaduna State project, IMC continues to strengthen the leadership capacity of women as peacebuilders and advocates for social cohesion across Kafanchan, Zaria, and Kaduna Central.
Signed:
Zonal Faith Committees
Strengthening Women Interfaith Leadership, Human Rights, Transitional Justice and Democratic Stability in Kaduna State
Supported by the German Embassy, Abuja.
