By Ahmed Ahmed
A Non-Governmental Organization, the Girl Child Values Support Initiative, in partnership with the French Embassy Fund (FEF), has launched a transformative project titled "STEAMinist Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV)" aimed at empowering 200 young women in Bauchi State.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ advocacy meeting held Tuesday in Bauchi, Mr. Owa Zurel, the Senior Programmes Officer of the Initiative, announced that the project will initially target participants from Bauchi Metropolis,
“With virtual engagement extended to Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Local Government Areas,” he said.
Zurel explained that the “STEAMinist” project is anchored on STEAM education Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics designed to empower girls aged 18 to 25, including those with disabilities, to develop technological and creative solutions to social problems, particularly gender-based violence.
“The project seeks to bridge the STEM gap among crisis-affected girls and inspire transformative change through innovation and gender equality,” he noted.
“Participants will collaborate with industry experts to create a mobile and online platform, featuring storytelling, rapid response mechanisms, and an online support community that advocates for the rights of women and girls, especially in rural and marginalised communities.
“The comprehensive initiative promotes women's rights through education, health, arts, advocacy, and climate justice, while also emphasizing disability inclusion and sexual reproductive health rights,” he said.
Zurel reitrated that the STEAMinist project aims to not only combat gender-based violence but also break the cycle of poverty and gender exclusion through education and empowerment.
Represented by Ms. Eswayi Polycarp, the Executive Director, Mrs. Precious Samson emphasised that the project requires the full support and commitment of stakeholders to ensure its success and sustainability.
“Our goal is to prevent GBV, promote STEAM opportunities, and drive all-round development for girls and young women,” she stated.
In her remarks, Hajiya Habiba Saad, Bauchi State Amira of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), praised the initiative, describing it as timely and vital.
“Parents are yearning for skills and protection for their daughters due to the alarming rate of GBV in our communities. The government should consider scaling up this initiative to other LGAs,” she urged.
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