CSOs urge Bauchi govt to adopt STEAMinist policy to empower girls, strengthen GBV prevention
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Bauchi State have called on the government to urgently integrate STEAM Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics education into state policies as a strategic tool for empowering girls, preventing gender-based violence (GBV), and boosting youth innovation.
They made the call during a policy brief presentation convened by the Girl-Child Values Support Initiative (GSVSI) with support from the French Embassy Fund (FEF OSC 2025). On Thursday in Bauchi
CSO representative Mrs. Blessing Gidado said the integration of STEAM into Bauchi’s educational and social development frameworks would provide girls especially those with special needs with practical skills, digital competence, and the confidence required to protect themselves and participate actively in society.
She explained that CSO-backed programmes such as technical training in web design, 3D modelling, creative arts, and advocacy workshops have already proven effective in community mobilization against GBV.
Entrepreneur and CSO partner, Mr. Sani Mohammed, noted that the STEAMinist project has demonstrated how technology and creativity can inspire young people to build self-reliance and drive meaningful social change.
He emphasised the need for government support to scale up the initiative for broader community impact.
Adding to the advocacy, Mr. Zuriel Oluwatosin, Senior Programmes Officer at GSVSI, urged the government to mainstream the STEAMinist model into key ministries, including Education, Women Affairs, and Youth and Sports Development.
He described the STEAM-GBV Livelihood Hub as a rights-based, economically viable approach aligned with the VAPP Law and AGILE programme, one capable of transforming women from passive recipients of aid to active innovators and contributors.
CSOs collectively called on the Ministry of Women Affairs to approve a pilot framework for establishing STEAM-GBV hubs, set up a technical working group for policy integration, mobilize multisector funding, and commence the first three hubs within 12 months.
They also appealed to the Ministry of Education to adopt the proposed STEAM policy recommendations and harmonize them with ICT-in-Education strategies ahead of the next academic cycle.
According to the CSOs, Bauchi State stands at a critical moment of digital transition, and adopting a STEAM-based policy will not only build a generation of innovators but also strengthen GBV prevention and advance inclusive empowerment across the state.
