Education is a fundamental right, yet millions of girls worldwide face systemic barriers that hinder their access to quality learning. In Kaduna State, Nigeria, the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria, in collaboration with the Back to School Educational Initiative (BASEI) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), convened a Media Roundtable on February 25, 2025, to address the challenges of girl-child education and gender-based violence (GBV). The event provided a platform for journalists, educators, students, civil society organizations, and faith leaders to discuss solutions to these pressing issues.
Held at the NUJ Secretariat in Kaduna, the roundtable was designed to raise awareness, foster collaboration, and advocate for policy interventions. The program opened with welcome remarks from NUJ Chairman Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe, who emphasized the critical role of the media in shaping public discourse and advocating for social justice.
Rev. John Joseph Hayab speaks at a roundtable discussion on equal access to education in Nigeria.
Rev. John Joseph Hayab, Country Director of GPF Nigeria, delivered a keynote address discussing the importance of peacebuilding and gender equality. Stressing the vision of “One Family under God,” he called for collective action from religious leaders, policymakers, and media practitioners to eradicate gender-based violence and ensure equal educational opportunities for girls.
A significant highlight of the discussions was the role of families and communities in ensuring that girls remain in school. Stakeholders emphasized that financial barriers, cultural norms, and safety concerns often force girls out of the education system. Strengthening family values and community support systems were identified as crucial strategies to counter these challenges.
Journalists were encouraged to use their platforms to raise awareness about the plight of girls denied access to education. The media was recognized as a powerful tool for shaping narratives and influencing policy decisions. Participants discussed responsible reporting and the need for continuous coverage of gender-based violence cases to hold perpetrators accountable.
The program featured a presentation on gender-based violence, shedding light on its detrimental effects on education. Students and educators shared firsthand experiences, emphasizing the need for stronger legal protections, school safety measures, and psychosocial support for survivors.
The discussions led to concrete commitments from the various stakeholders present. Journalists pledged to increase coverage of gender-based violence and education issues, while school principals committed to implementing advocacy programs within their institutions. Civil society organizations vowed to continue engaging policymakers to prioritize education funding and provide support for survivors of GBV. Faith leaders called for interfaith collaboration to promote moral education and challenge harmful cultural practices. Additionally, government representatives were urged to provide financial support for exam fees, ensuring that economic constraints do not force students to drop out.
As this conversation continues, it is essential that all stakeholders—media professionals, educators, civil society groups, and policymakers—remain committed to ensuring that gender-based violence and educational barriers for girls become issues of the past. By working with educators, policymakers, and communities, GPF advocates for education reforms that equip young people with not only academic knowledge but also the moral and ethical values needed to become responsible global citizens. In Nigeria and beyond, GPF’s initiatives empower students, strengthen families, and promote peace by ensuring that education serves as a foundation for social transformation and sustainable development.
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