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BAUCHI, Nigeria - The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has committed to lead efforts against Gender Based Violence (GBV) across the country.
The Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, made this pledge during the launch of a grassroots gender sensitization and advocacy campaign in rural areas of Northern states, held in Bauchi on Wednesday.
He stated that the initiative aims to address all forms of inequality, utilizing Corps Gender Vanguard Community Development Service groups as active participants in all 774 Local Government Areas nationally.
Represented by NYSC's Bauchi state Coordinator, Rifkatu Yakubu, Nafiu explained that this campaign is a thoughtful initiative from the Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement Department of NYSC, designed to raise awareness about the negative impacts of Gender-Based Violence and Gender Inequality in society.
He pointed out that while gender issues are often perceived as solely affecting women, they actually pertain to both genders concerning their rights, roles, and responsibilities.
Nafiu emphasized that every individual deserves the opportunity to reach their potential and called on all stakeholders to be more supportive and proactive regarding gender issues.
He highlighted the success of NYSC in reducing incidents of GBV in rural areas, noting the establishment of Gender Clubs in schools and the connection of victims to support through the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs’ toll-free GBV line.
Nafiu reiterated the scheme's commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders for effective gender mainstreaming in the country and sought further support in the fight against GBV.
Student representative Hafsat Yusuf commented that they have learned to report any form of abuse to security authorities and expressed her determination to share this knowledge with her friends both in school and at home.
