Girl Child Values Support Initiative Empowers 200 Young Women and Girls in Bauchi through STEAMinist Project

By Muhammad Sani Muazu

The Girl Child Values Support Initiative (GCVSI), with support from the French Embassy Fund, is empowering over 200 young women and girls — including those with disabilities — in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) through the ongoing STEAMinist Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Project in Bauchi State.

The project, which has been running for the past five months, is designed to equip participants with practical and entrepreneurial skills to make them self-reliant and capable of using technology and creativity to combat gender-based violence and social exclusion.

Speaking to journalists during a visit to the various training centers, Oluwatosin Zuriel, the Senior Programme Officer for GCVSI in Bauchi State, explained that the STEAMinist Project was conceived to give young women the opportunity to learn relevant digital and technical skills that can transform their lives and communities.

“We are implementing a project supported by the French Embassy Fund called STEAMinist Against Gender-Based Violence. The objective is to train about 200 young women and girls, with and without disabilities, to gain STEAM skills. These include 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,” Zuriel said.

According to him, the initiative aims to challenge the narrative of high school dropouts among girls in Bauchi State by providing them with access to modern skills that can open new job opportunities — even remotely.

“We want women and girls in Bauchi to know that with the right skills, they can get remote jobs, earn a living, and be free from gender-based violence. We are here to change the narrative and show that they have a right to education, empowerment, and inclusion,” he added.

Zuriel noted that more than 500 young women and girls applied for the first phase of the program, with over 150 selected for the initial training. He described this as proof of Bauchi’s readiness to embrace technology and innovation.

He, however, acknowledged some challenges encountered during the implementation of the project, especially with participants with disabilities.

“Some girls with disabilities faced accessibility challenges, and a few were not initially equipped with the basic skill sets required for certain courses. We also had transportation issues and cases where some participants dropped out due to domestic responsibilities. But we made reasonable accommodations, including online sessions, to ensure inclusivity,” Zuriel explained.

He expressed appreciation to the French Embassy Fund for its support and encouraged young women across Bauchi State to apply for the second phase of the STEAMinist training through the Girl Child VSI’s official social media pages and partner hubs.

“We have seen resilience and enthusiasm among Bauchi participants. We are very happy to work here. There is light at the end of the tunnel for girls and women — with or without disabilities,” he said.

Some of the beneficiaries of the ongoing training commended the Girl Child Values Support Initiative and the French Embassy Fund for giving them life-changing opportunities.

Hafsat Abdulrazaq, a 400-level Electrical and Electronics Engineering student at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), said the training has helped her gain vital practical experience and confidence in her field.

“Before joining this program, we didn’t have much opportunity for practicals in school. But here, I learned how to identify electronic components, design circuits, solder, make lithium-ion battery packs, power banks, and even build a solar generator that runs on both AC and DC,” Hafsat explained.

“This training has shown me that the girl child can achieve great things if given the opportunity. With these skills, I can start my own business, solve community problems, and become self-reliant. I’m grateful to the French Embassy and GCVSI for this opportunity,” she added.

Another participant, Mansura Abdulhakim, who trained in Graphic Design, said the program not only nurtured her passion for art but also gave her the confidence to turn her skills into a source of income.

“I chose graphic design because I love drawing. Thanks to the French Embassy Fund and GCVSI for this opportunity under the STEAMinist Project against GBV. I’ve become a designer, and now people hire me for design work and pay me. The training has opened doors for me and will help me support others in the future,” Mansura said.

For Lawan Yunus Sylvanus, a student of Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, who majored in Electronics Design and Implementation, the training bridged the gap between theory and practice in his academic work.

“As a Mechatronics Engineering student, I had theoretical knowledge but little practical exposure. Through STEAMinist, I learned how to assemble electronic components and design functional projects. We even built a solar generator that can charge phones, laptops, TVs, and fans — whether there’s power or not. It was a great experience that improved my technical skills,” Lawan said.

The STEAMinist Project, through the partnership between the Girl Child Values Support Initiative and the French Embassy Fund, continues to inspire and empower young women and girls in Bauchi State.

By combining technical skills, creativity, and advocacy, the program is helping participants break gender barriers, embrace innovation, and build sustainable livelihoods — proving that when the girl child is empowered, entire communities thrive.