Empowering Communities to Protect Women and Girls in Nigeria

Robin McDonough

February 6, 2026

A group of women in Nigeria, some wearing face masks and colorful hijabs, sit attentively in a room during an event focused on empowering communities and supporting women's rights.

GPF Nigeria hosts Dialogue with Student Advocates on Gender-Based Violence.

An inspiring forum empowered communities to address violence against girls and women in Nigeria. While the traumatic and negative impacts of gender-based violence (GBV) are far-reaching—harming families, communities, and society—Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria is helping slow the spread by providing information and resources to prevent and respond to abuse. GPF Nigeria and its partners, Back To School Educational Initiative (BASEI), Women and Girls Health Empowerment Network (WGHEN), and student activists from Kaduna State Polytechnic and Kaduna State School of Nursing and Midwifery, convened a strategic dialogue with seventy young women at Arewa House, Kaduna State on November 29, 2025.

An older woman in a lavender hijab sits in front of a banner at an event in Nigeria, promoting activism to empower communities and protect women and girls from gender-based violence.

Hajiya Maryam Muhammad, a professional in development work and an experienced teacher, guided the participants through critical issues surrounding gender-based violence.

The theme of the event was “UNITE, Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Representing GPF Nigeria’s country director, Reverend John Joseph Hayab, Senior Program Manager Abdul Ahmed was the event’s keynote speaker, presenting an overview of “Understanding Gender-Based Violence.” Mr. Ahmed emphasized the vulnerability of women and girls to various forms of abuse, including sexual, physical, psychological, and economic. He also highlighted GPF Nigeria’s advocacy for and prioritization of women in its programs, noting that the vision of “One Family Under God” promotes peace, dignity, and resilience among women and girls.

Next, Hajiya Maryann Muhammad, a teacher, community development practitioner, and BASEI consultant, led the interactive session titled “Identifying and Resisting GBV.” She encouraged participants to develop tools, such as education, self-esteem, and leadership skills, to resist abuse. Ms. Muhammad emphasized the importance of a functional education, supplemented by parental nurturing and support, to foster self-worth and leadership skills. Additionally, she discussed the prevention of abuse, including practical steps on how to avoid risky situations, empowering young women to take personal responsibility, and the shared responsibility of both men and women.

A man in traditional attire speaks to a seated audience at a Global Peace Foundation Nigeria event about activism to protect women against gender-based violence. Banners highlight empowering communities through education and ending violence.

Abdul Ahmed, the senior programs manager of the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, representing the country director at the program.

Open dialogue provided participants with a platform to freely discuss their experiences of harassment and abuse in learning environments. They were empowered to advocate for systemic changes, such as improved reporting structures and safer school environments. In response, event organizers provided a dedicated confidential hotline for reporting abuse.

Participants expressed their appreciation for the strategic dialogue and its impact. For example, Bumi Babatunde, a Kaduna State School of Nursing and Midwifery student, stated: “I am grateful to Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, BASEI and WGHEN for organizing this impactful event. This program has strengthened my self-esteem and leadership skills. I have learned how to set boundaries, recognize abuse, and act when necessary. I feel empowered to advocate for my peers and contribute to a community free from gender-based violence.”

A woman in a dark robe gestures while speaking in Nigeria, standing between two seated women—one in a blue headscarf and the other in a mask and light blue headscarf—as they work to empower communities and protect women.

Akinyele O. Janet, a student, shared her personal experience of being harassed by a lecturer.

Continued education, mentorship, and advocacy will sustain the session’s impact in the future. Activities such as a dedicated, confidential hotline and a peer-led mentorship and awareness club within schools and communities will provide ongoing support for women and girls for a long-term, positive impact.

Empowering women and girls to advocate for themselves and others is key to ending violence based on gender. The dialogue provided the participants with the practical skills, confidence, and awareness they need to do just that. GPF Nigeria and its partners will continue to collectively advocate for the empowerment of women leaders across Kaduna State.