GBV: 250 girls, women graduate from STEAM programme in Bauchi

A total of 250 girls and young women, including persons living with disabilities in Bauchi State, have graduated from a six-month Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) programme aimed at tackling gender-based violence (GBV).

The programme was facilitated by the Girl-Child Values Support Initiative (GCVSI), with support from the French Embassy Fund under the STEAMinists Against GBV-Innovation Hackathon from skills to solutions, held in Bauchi.

Speaking to Journalists at the event, the Senior Programmes Officer of GCVSI, Owa Oluwatosin Zuriel, explained that the initiative was designed to equip young women with future-ready skills, promote financial independence, and reduce vulnerability to gender-based violence.

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According to him, the programme empowered the participants to approach GBV from multiple perspectives by developing practical, community-based solutions using STEAM skills.

“We are seeing young people actively engaging with the issue of gender-based violence and creating meaningful solutions from different angles. It is inspiring to witness,” Owa Zuriel said.

He noted that participants were trained across nine skill tracks over a six-month period, including application development, web design and development, graphics design and visual arts, 3D animation and modelling, soldering and electronics, photography and videography, digital storytelling and podcasting, as well as drama and theatre.

Owa Oluwatosin Zuriel explained that each of the skills acquired could be directly applied to addressing GBV.

According to him, “For instance, a participant trained in electronics and 3D modelling can design a panic button or alarm system to alert others during violent situations.”

“A graphic designer can create powerful infographics and awareness materials, while visual artists can produce compelling artwork that tells stories capable of moving communities to action,” he said.

He added that the project had trained two cohorts, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to about 250 young women.

“This initiative is about empowering women to rise above poverty and vulnerability. When a woman understands her rights and has practical skills to earn a living, she becomes less exposed to gender-based violence,” Owa Zuriel explained.

He identified poverty as a major driver of women’s disempowerment, limiting access to education, awareness, and economic independence.

He further disclosed that the participants are currently in their project phase, developing innovations tailored to their communities, noting that some trainees have already built solar-powered generators to provide lighting in their neighbourhoods.

He emphasised that the programme goes beyond awareness creation by providing hands-on tools for change, adding that several participants, particularly those trained in digital storytelling and podcasting, are already earning income from paid jobs.

Owa Zuriel commended the French Embassy Fund and the Bauchi State Government for their support, noting that collaboration with relevant ministries contributed significantly to the success of the programme.

One of the beneficiaries, Sekira Adedeji, who was trained in photography and video broadcasting, said the skills she acquired would enable her to contribute meaningfully to reducing gender-based violence.

“Through visual storytelling, we can raise awareness, educate communities, and show the world that gender-based violence has solutions,” she said.

Another participant, Faith Ayuba Shuaibu, trained in digital storytelling and podcasting, said the programme has equipped her to amplify the voices of survivors.

“Many victims of gender-based violence cannot speak out freely. Through digital storytelling and podcasting, I can help tell their stories honestly and without distortion, giving them a voice and supporting the fight to end gender-based violence,” she said.