By Zainab Kasim Ibrahim
Stakeholders have called on young people in Bauchi State to take active roles in preventing and addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in their communities.
This call was made during Albarka Radio’s weekly programme “Empowered Voices”, which focused on the theme “The Role of Youth in Preventing Gender-Based Violence.”
One of the discussants, Charity Solomon, said young people represent a significant portion of Bauchi State’s population and therefore must be involved in every stage of the fight against GBV — from awareness creation to decision-making and implementation of solutions.
She stressed that youth participation is essential to understanding the root causes of GBV and developing sustainable interventions.
“There’s a saying that nothing about us without us,” she said. “For us to effectively end gender-based violence, young people must be part of the conversation, part of the decision-making, and part of the action.”
Charity emphasized the need for youth to educate themselves on gender laws and policies, understand reporting channels, and use available tools such as media advocacy and community awareness to speak up against abuse.
She added that young people do not have to wait for employment or funding from organizations to take action, noting that small initiatives — such as peer education, public sensitization, and reporting incidents — can make a major difference.
Also speaking, Barrister Adam Tanko Jibril highlighted the central role of youth in both the perpetration and prevention of gender-based violence.
He explained that most GBV cases, including sexual assault, domestic violence, and workplace harassment, often involve young people, either as victims or offenders.
“That is why we are drawing the attention of youth to know their roles — not just to avoid involvement in violence, but to become advocates for prevention within their communities,” he stated.
Barrister Jibril further noted that gender-based violence extends beyond rape and includes child abuse, maltreatment, and sexual harassment in offices and political spaces. He urged victims and witnesses to report such cases not only to the police but also to relevant bodies such as the National Human Rights Commission, Nigeria Bar Association, and other civil society organizations.
He also called on religious and traditional leaders to use their influence to discourage abuse and support victims of violence.
The programme “Empowered Voices” seeks to amplify discussions around gender issues and promote community action towards ending gender-based violence in Bauchi State.