Stakeholders seek stronger action against GBV, child marriage in Bauchi
By Ahmed Ahmed
Stakeholders in Bauchi State have called for stronger and sustained action to tackle gender-based violence (GBV), child marriage and other harmful social practices affecting girls across the state.
They made the call at a quarterly stakeholders’ meeting organised to review efforts under the “Zabin Rayuwa” (Choice of Life) project of the Girl Child Value Support Initiative (GCVSI) in Bauchi.
The Programme Manager of the initiative, Mr Sadisu Yau Ibrahim, said teenage girls across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state had been trained to speak against GBV and harmful social norms.
Ibrahim said the girls were equipped with skills in storytelling, radio drama, film production and structured drama to enable them raise awareness and mobilise communities against practices that undermine the wellbeing of girls.
He said the project, supported by AmplifyChange and GCVSI, was designed to promote access to information and improve awareness of child protection services, sexual and reproductive health, gender equality and support mechanisms.
According to him, child marriage is influenced by factors including poverty, social expectations, unequal gender relations, limited opportunities, inadequate access to information and weak community accountability mechanisms.
He said the initiative provided a platform for girls, survivors, parents, religious and traditional leaders to share experiences and contribute to solutions.
“It is aimed at mobilising community participation in protecting girls and preventing harmful practices,” he said.
Ibrahim added that the girls selected for the fellowship underwent training in community theatre, acting, storytelling, facilitation, advocacy, community engagement and leadership.
One of the participants, Mrs Elizabeth George, said protecting the girl-child was a collective responsibility that must be prioritised.
George stressed the need to provide safe spaces for girls to express their concerns and experiences without fear.
Another participant, Mr Sani Mohammed, described the meeting as timely, saying it provided an opportunity for policymakers and stakeholders to strengthen efforts to reduce GBV among young people.
He urged stakeholders to sustain collaboration and translate discussions into practical measures to protect girls and prevent harmful practices in communities.
