The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), a World Bank–supported project, has launched a sensitisation drive in Zamfara aimed at strengthening the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in schools.
Principals of Government Girls’ Secondary Schools and members of School-Based Management Committees across Zamfara Central Zone took part in a one-day workshop in Gusau focused on prevention, grievance redress mechanisms, and codes of conduct.
Non-governmental organisations including Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), Baobab for Women’s Rights, and the Zamfara Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) facilitated the sessions.
Hajiya Rabi Ibrahim, State Coordinator of Baobab for Women’s Rights, explained that the training was designed to equip participants with practical knowledge for creating safe spaces where students can learn without fear of abuse or harassment.
Dr. Amina Hassan, Head of SARC, spoke on GBV reporting procedures and the importance of schools adopting preventive measures. She stressed that effective systems must be in place not only to stop incidents but also to provide redress whenever cases arise.
The State AGILE Coordinator, Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdu-Gusau—represented by GBV Officer, Sadiyya Shehu—encouraged participants to share the knowledge gained with their staff and colleagues. She highlighted AGILE’s commitment to safeguarding adolescent girls and ensuring they receive an education free from harm.
“This initiative is about securing the future of our girls. Everyone here has a role to play in making schools safer and reducing the prevalence of GBV,” she noted.
For many attendees, the workshop was both timely and transformative. Malama Kulu Shehu, Principal of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Gusau, described the sessions as eye-opening.
“All of us are leaving here better informed and determined to implement the reporting and prevention strategies in our schools,” she affirmed.
