By Khalid Idris Doya
Bauchi, Nigeria, February 04,2026(Series News Online)
The Girl Child Values Support Initiative (GCVSI) has graduated 250 young women, including those living with disabilities, from a six-month Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) program aimed at combating gender-based violence (GBV) in Bauchi State.
The program, supported by the French Embassy Fund, equipped participants with practical skills to develop community-based solutions to address GBV. "We are seeing young people actively engaging with the issue of gender-based violence and creating meaningful solutions from different angles. It is inspiring to witness," said Mr. Owa Oluwatosin Zuriel, Senior Programmes Officer of GCVSI.
The participants were trained in nine skill tracks, including application development, web design, and digital storytelling. According to Zuriel, these skills can be directly applied to addressing GBV, such as designing panic buttons or creating awareness materials.
The program's goal is to empower women to rise above poverty and vulnerability, reducing their exposure to GBV. "When a woman understands her rights and has practical skills to earn a living, she becomes less exposed to gender-based violence," Zuriel explained.
Beneficiaries, including Sekira Adedeji and Faith Ayuba Shuaibu, expressed gratitude for the skills acquired, stating they would use them to raise awareness and support survivors of GBV.
The program has received support from the French Embassy Fund and the Bauchi State Government, with participants now developing innovations tailored to their communities.
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