The Girl Child Values Support Initiative (GCVSI), backed by funding from the French Embassy, has successfully empowered more than 200 young women and girls-including those with disabilities-in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) through its ongoing STEAMinist Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Project in Bauchi State.
According to LEADERSHIP, this initiative, active for the past five months, focuses on equipping participants with hands-on and entrepreneurial skills. The goal is to foster self-sufficiency and enable these young women to leverage technology and creativity as tools to address gender-based violence and social marginalization.
During a recent graduation event, Oluwatosin Zuriel, Senior Programme Officer for GCVSI in Bauchi State, highlighted that the STEAMinist Project was established to provide young women with access to essential digital and technical competencies that have the potential to transform both their personal lives and their communities.
Zuriel emphasized that the program seeks to overturn the prevailing trend of girls dropping out of school in Bauchi State by offering them modern skill sets that can unlock diverse employment opportunities, including remote work options.
He revealed that over 500 young women and girls applied for the program’s initial phase, with more than 150 candidates selected to participate in the first round of training.
This high level of interest, Zuriel noted, reflects Bauchi State’s growing enthusiasm for embracing technological advancement and innovation.
Expressing gratitude to the French Embassy Fund for its invaluable support, he encouraged young women throughout Bauchi State to seize the opportunity to enroll in the second phase of the STEAMinist training via the Girl Child VSI’s official social media channels and partner organizations.
Several participants of the program praised the Girl Child Values Support Initiative and the French Embassy Fund for providing transformative opportunities that have significantly impacted their lives.
Hafsat Abdulrazaq, a senior Electrical and Electronics Engineering student at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), shared that the training enhanced her practical skills and boosted her confidence in her academic discipline.
Mansura Abdulhakim, who specialized in Graphic Design, expressed that the program not only cultivated her artistic talents but also empowered her to monetize her skills effectively.
Lawan Yunus Sylvanus, an Electronics Design and Implementation student at Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, remarked that the training effectively connected theoretical knowledge with real-world application, enriching his educational experience.
