A growing wave of concern over sexual harassment and abuse within learning environments dominated conversations on Friday as young women from Kaduna Polytechnic and the Kaduna State School of Nursing and Midwifery spoke up at a strategic roundtable hosted by the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria.
The engagement, organised as part of activities marking the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, drew 70 young women advocates and was convened in partnership with Back To School Educational Initiative, Women and Girls Health Empowerment Network, and student activist groups.
Held under the theme UNiTE! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls, the dialogue sought to equip young women with the knowledge, confidence, and tools they need to prevent and respond to abuse in schools and surrounding communities.
GPFN's Commitment to Women and Girls
Representing the Country Director of GPFN, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, the Senior Programme Manager, Mr Abdul Ahmed, said the lived realities of many women and girls in Nigeria remain harsh, especially in communities affected by conflict and insecurity.
He explained that cases of sexual violence, physical assault, psychological abuse, economic deprivation and domestic threats continue to rise, adding that GPFN places women and girls at the centre of its interventions.
"The organisation is committed to providing young women with the skills and support necessary to overcome socio-economic barriers and resist every form of violence. Empowering women is critical to building stable, peaceful communities."
Building Confidence and Leadership
Another key session was led by Hajiya Maryam Muhammed, a teacher and community development practitioner, who challenged the participants to cultivate confidence, values and leadership capacity.
She urged girls to seek functional education that not only builds competence but sharpens their dignity, self-esteem and ability to resist abuse.
"Parents must go beyond providing physical care, emphasising the need for discipline, guidance and confidence-building from home to help young women stand firm against sexual exploitation. Students must embrace excellence, maintain good morals and stay focused on their academic goals."
Student Voices: Breaking the Silence
During the open forum, some participants recounted rising incidents of sexual harassment and intimidation from certain lecturers.
They described experiences of feeling unsafe or pressured for academic favours in exchange for sexual gratification. The students called for stronger reporting channels, safer learning environments and more accountability from school authorities.
Key Concerns Raised by Students:
- Rising incidents of sexual harassment from lecturers
- Pressure for academic favours in exchange for sexual gratification
- Feeling unsafe in learning environments
- Lack of effective reporting channels
- Need for stronger accountability from school authorities
A Call to Action
The meeting ended with a strong message urging students to work hard, uphold personal boundaries and report every incident of abuse without delay. Organisers also announced a confidential hotline to support victims and ensure that cases receive immediate attention.
The roundtable reaffirmed the commitment of GPFN and its partners to sustain advocacy, strengthen protection mechanisms and expand safe spaces for young women in Kaduna and beyond. Through continued partnerships, training and awareness campaigns, the organisations pledged to amplify young women's voices and reinforce efforts to eliminate gender-based violence in all its forms.
Event Partners
Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN)
Organizing partner for the 16 Days of Activism roundtable
Back To School Educational Initiative (BASEI)
Supporting partner in education and advocacy
Women and Girls Health Empowerment Network (WGHEN)
Supporting partner in women's empowerment and protection
Student Activist Groups
Grassroots mobilization and student representation
