Young female activists rally against GBV in Bauchi, say break silence

By Ahmed Ahmed

The young female activists in Bauchi State have enjoined parents and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) to break the culture of silence, speak out, and report cases of abuse to appropriate authorities.

They made the appeal on Friday, during the close-out and exhibition of the STEAMinist Against Gender-Based Violence Project, held in Bauchi.

The initiative was organised by the Girl Child Values Support Initiative (GCVSI), with support from the French Embassy Fund (FEF).

It targeted girls aged 18 to 25 years, including persons with disabilities across the state.

The event was aimed at educating families and communities on the dangers and long-term consequences of GBV on children, survivors, and society at large.

It also showcased creative and technological works developed by the beneficiaries during the project.

Speaking at the exhibition, Ms Sadika Adamu, a participant living with disability who specialises in painting, said that timely reporting and strong community support were critical to protecting victims and ensuring that justice is metted on perpetrators.

She urged parents and caregivers to create a safe environment where children and young people can freely share their experiences without fear, shame, or stigma.

Another activist, Ms Obi Comfort, highlighted the importance of amplifying community voices in the fight against GBV.

She noted that harmful cultural norms and silence often helped abuse thrive.

According to her, artistic expressions like paintings can serve as powerful advocacy tools for awareness and social change in local communities.

She noted that sustained awareness, community engagement, and institutional support would significantly reduce GBV and promote safer environments for girls and young women across the state.

Similarly, another activist, Ms Judith Ekechukwu, urged survivors to shun silence and report cases of abuse in a bid to get help,

She noted that speaking out is a vital step toward healing, protection, and prevention of further abuse.

Earlier, the Senior Programmes Officer of GCVSI, Mr. Zuriel Oluwatosin called on the government to integrate the STEAMinist model into key ministries, including Education, Women Affairs, as well as Youth and Sports Development.

He described the STEAM-GBV Livelihood Hub as a rights-based and economically sustainable initiative, which aligned with the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and the AGILE Programme

According to him, the project equipped beneficiaries with diverse practical skills such as photography, videography, digital storytelling, and podcasting.

He said others are: drama and theatre, soldering and electronic implementation, 3D animation, 3D printing, 3D modelling, application development, web design, and painting.

Oluwatosin said that the STEAMinist initiative represents a growing movement of young women, empowered with science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) skills, to design community-based solutions, and actively advocate against gender