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ADVOCACY: WOVAIDE Intensifies Anti-GBV Campaign in Takum Schools, Targets Students as Change Agents.



By our Correspondent, April 1, 2026.

A non-governmental organisation, Women of Valour Initiative for Development and Empowerment (WOVAIDE), has deepened its grassroots advocacy against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with a targeted sensitisation campaign across secondary schools in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The initiative, aimed at maximising both time and outreach impact, saw the organisation engage students and teachers in a structured awareness programme covering 21 secondary schools grouped into five operational clusters. 
The latest phase, identified as Cluster 2, featured outreach activities in four institutions: Aisha Memorial Academy, Nurul Absar School, Al-Huda Secondary School, and Al-Ummah Academy.

During the sessions, facilitators provided detailed education on the various forms and manifestations of GBV, including sexual violence and rape, emotional, physical and psychological abuse such as bullying, human trafficking described as an organised criminal enterprise, as well as pedophilia. Other harmful practices addressed include Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage, and domestic violence—issues that remain prevalent in many communities.
Resource persons at the programme emphasised the long-term physical, emotional and socio-economic consequences of GBV, particularly among adolescents, noting that early education is critical in prevention efforts.
 They also highlighted the importance of speaking out, reporting abuse, and supporting victims, while encouraging students to become advocates for change within their peer groups and communities.

A key feature of the outreach was the distribution of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to participants. Each of the 56 students engaged in the exercise was tasked with cascading the knowledge to at least nine other peers, a strategy designed to exponentially expand the reach of the campaign beyond the classroom.

Seven teachers also participated in the sessions, providing institutional support and reinforcing the sustainability of the initiative within the school system. Educators were encouraged to integrate GBV awareness into routine guidance and counselling activities.

Speaking on the significance of the programme, WOVAIDE Chief Executive Officer CEO Mrs Sarah David Ibi reiterated their commitment to combating GBV through continuous advocacy, education, and community engagement. She noted that schools remain critical entry points for shaping attitudes, dismantling harmful norms, and empowering young people with the knowledge to protect themselves and others.

The organisation further called on stakeholders, including government agencies, traditional leaders, and civil society groups, to intensify collaborative efforts in addressing GBV across Taraba State and beyond.

The campaign aligns with broader national and global efforts to eliminate violence and promote human rights, as reflected in advocacy messages such as #NoToGenderBasedViolence, #NoToSexualHarassment, #NoToBullying, #YesToBetterLife, and #YesToFreedom.

WOVAIDE is expected to continue its outreach across other school clusters in Takum as part of its sustained drive to build safer and more inclusive communities.

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