Stakeholders Push for Policy Backing as Bauchi Hosts High-Level Advocacy Forum on STEAM, GBV Prevention

Stakeholders in Bauchi State have called for stronger government partnership and policy support to sustain and expand the gains of the STEAMinist Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Project, as the state hosted a High-Level Advocacy and Partnership Forum on STEAM, GBV Prevention, and Inclusive Livelihoods.

The forum, organised by the Girl Child Values Support Initiative (GCVSI) after the completion of the six-month project, Funded by French Embassy Fund brought together government officials, civil society organisations, security agencies, and private sector actors to review outcomes and explore pathways for institutionalising the initiative within state structures. The project focuses on strengthening education, women’s empowerment, and youth innovation in Bauchi State.

The STEAMinist Against GBV Project empowered over 200 women and girls, including persons with disabilities, with practical and digital skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), equipping them for self-reliance while using innovation and creativity as tools to prevent gender-based violence and social exclusion.

Speaking at the forum, the Director of Science, Technical and Vocational Education at the Bauchi State Ministry of Education, Bashir Aliu Adamu, described the initiative as impactful and timely, particularly in addressing GBV among vulnerable groups.

“The impact of this programme cannot be overemphasised. Reducing gender-based violence, especially among people with special needs, is very important. Government is doing its best, but collaboration is key,” Adamu said.

He added that key resolutions from the meeting would be conveyed to the Ministry of Education and other relevant authorities for possible adoption.

“We have taken note of all the discussions. Insha Allah, we will present them to the Commissioner and other top officials so that government can look into how these ideas can be implemented and sustained,” he assured.

From the security sector, the Head of Anti-Human Trafficking, Bauchi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Naomi Chishak, commended the organisers for using the forum to deepen awareness on GBV prevention.

“Our doors are open. Bring your reports. We are ready to work for the benefit of Bauchi State and Nigeria,” she said.

Chishak emphasised that GBV affects both women and men, noting that many male victims remain silent due to stigma and societal pressure.

“We need traditional rulers, community leaders, and religious bodies to help change the narrative through awareness and continuous sensitisation,” she added, stressing that NSCDC offices across all local government areas remain accessible to victims.

Also speaking, Abigail Hardo, Executive Director of Aid Connect for Development, said the forum strengthened collaboration among civil society organisations working on GBV prevention and inclusive livelihoods.

“Our goal is to ensure that every girl child is safe from all forms of violence. As CSOs, we work at the grassroots to build capacity, challenge harmful norms, and educate communities on the laws that protect women, men, and children,” she said.

Earlier, the Senior Programme Officer of GCVSI in Bauchi State, Oluwatosin Zuriel, explained that the event was designed as a high-level advocacy and partnership platform to ensure sustainability of the STEAMinist Against GBV Project.

“This is a roundtable where we are discussing the outcomes of the STEAMinist Against GBV Project and how the policy briefs developed from training over 250 women and girls across nine STEAM tracks can be institutionalised within government ministries,” Zuriel said.

He disclosed that over 180 girls were trained within Bauchi metropolis, while more than 80 others benefited from digital STEAM awareness sessions in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro.

Zuriel said GCVSI is advocating for the creation of STEAM clubs in schools, integration of practical STEAM learning into education systems, and partnerships with youth digital hubs to promote innovation and inclusive livelihoods.

“We are getting positive feedback from government, private sector actors, and CSOs. Our hope is that these policy briefs will be mainstreamed into state programmes to expand opportunities for women and youth,” he added.

Also speaking, Muhammad Adamu Ambi of GCVSI said the forum was critical in aligning government, development partners, and community actors toward sustaining STEAM-driven solutions to GBV and unemployment.

“This programme was designed to empower women with hands-on skills so they can be self-reliant and confident contributors to society. The advocacy forum is about ensuring continuity—so that government can take ownership and scale it up across Bauchi State,” he said.

Participants at the forum expressed optimism that the STEAMinist Against GBV Project would serve as a model for integrating education, women’s empowerment, youth innovation, and GBV prevention into Bauchi State’s development agenda through sustained partnerships and policy support.