NGO trains 250 girls in STEAM skills to tackle GBV in Bauchi
By Ahmed Ahmed
Non-Governmental Organisation, the Girl Child Values Support Initiative (GCVSI), has empowered 250 young women and girls through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education as a strategic tool to end Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Bauchi State.
The empowerment initiative, tagged “STEAMinist Against Gender-Based Violence,” is supported by the French Embassy Fund (FEF) and targets girls aged 18 to 25, including persons with disabilities, drawn from Bauchi metropolis, with others from Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Local Government Areas participating virtually.
Speaking during the programme, participants expressed optimism that the skills acquired would not only provide sustainable livelihoods but also help them become advocates against GBV in their communities.
One of the beneficiaries, Shakina Adedeji, who learned photography, said she plans to use visual storytelling to raise awareness on GBV prevention.
Similarly, Faith Shuaibu, trained in digital storytelling and postcards, noted that the skill would enable her to tell impactful stories that educate and sensitize the public on gender-based violence.
For Sadika Adamu, a person with disabilities who learned painting, art remains a powerful advocacy tool. She explained that paintings can effectively communicate messages, influence public perception, and promote awareness on GBV prevention.
The Senior Programmes Officer of GCVSI, Mr. Zuriel Oluwatosin, urged the government to mainstream the STEAMinist model into key ministries such as Education, Women Affairs, and Youth and Sports Development.
He described the STEAM-GBV Livelihood Hub as a rights-based and economically viable approach aligned with the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and the AGILE Programme.
According to him, the project equips beneficiaries with skills including photography, videography, digital storytelling and podcasting, drama and theatre,
Soldering and electronic implementation, 3D animation, 3D printing, 3D modelling, application development, web design, and painting.
Oluwatosin explained that “STEAMinist represents a movement of young women empowered with STEAM skills to design community-based solutions and actively advocate against gender injustice.”
Meanwhile, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) collectively called on the Ministry of Women Affairs to approve a pilot framework for STEAM-GBV hubs, establish a technical working group for policy integration, mobilize multi-sector funding, and commence at least three hubs within 12 months.
They also appealed to the Ministry of Education to adopt the proposed STEAM policy recommendations and align them with ICT-in-Education strategies.
They further stressing that Bauchi State’s digital transition presents a critical opportunity to strengthen GBV prevention and inclusive empowerment.
