Stephen Enoch
The Bridge Connect Africa Initiative (BCAI), a leading advocate for women and girls in Kano State, has launched a ground-breaking project to empower women and combat gender-based violence (GBV).
The project, tagged “Women Against Violence Empowered through Sustainability” (WAVES), was unveiled by Fatima Aliyu, Chief Operating Officer of BCAI, to tackle the social and economic barriers facing women, particularly survivors of GBV.
Supported by the Government of Canada through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), the five-month initiative will focus on building the capacity of 50 women in Kano, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to develop sustainable agribusinesses, enhance their financial literacy, and become advocates against GBV in their communities.
According to Aliyu, the project addresses the deep-rooted societal and economic factors that perpetuate violence and poverty among women.
“From our work and experiences, evidence shows that societal norms, economic challenges, and even climate change are factors that keep many women trapped in cycles of poverty and dependence, increasing their risk of gender-based violence.
“The statistics on GBV in Kano are alarming. A report from UNICEF highlights that 1 in 3 women in Nigeria has experienced gender-based violence. Between November 2022 and February 2023, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) recorded 171 GBV cases in the state.
“Over the last five years, the Kano State WARAKA Sexual Assault Referral Center has documented more than 4,000 cases of sexual violence, according to the International Federation of Women Lawyers,” Aliyu said.
She further explained that the WAVES project aims to empower women not only economically but also as peer educators and advocates within their communities.
The COO pointed out that participants will receive training in GBV prevention, financial literacy, and sustainable agricultural practices, positioning them to break the cycles of violence and poverty that disproportionately affect women in the region.
As BCAI embarks on this initiative, Aliyu called on the Kano State government and other stakeholders to join the movement.
“By the end of the WAVES project, we envision these women thriving in their businesses and advocating for a sustainable, violence-free society where they can fully realize their potential,” she said.
BCAI expressed gratitude to the Government of Canada for its unwavering support in advancing the rights of women and girls and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in creating a safer, more equitable future for all.
