In a bold move to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI) has convened a statewide stakeholders’ forum, emphasizing that no society can truly thrive while half of its population lives in fear and silence.
Speaking at the event held at the state’s banquet hall, BBYDI’s Global Director, Hajia Nurah Sanni-Jimoh, described the forum as a critical step in the fight against one of the most pressing human rights violations. Attended by traditional rulers from the state’s 16 local government areas, the gathering reinforced the urgent need for collective action against GBV.
“For years, we at BBYDI have remained unwavering in our mission to eradicate GBV, ensuring that survivors are not silenced and that communities take a firm stand against all forms of violence,” Sanni-Jimoh stated.
She highlighted the organization’s strategic approach, which includes advocacy, prevention, and direct engagement with key stakeholders. She also acknowledged the support of the Ford Foundation, which has significantly contributed to their efforts.
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“GBV remains a deeply rooted societal issue that threatens the dignity, safety, and well-being of individuals, particularly women and girls,” she lamented, noting that the menace manifests in various forms, including domestic abuse, sexual violence, harmful traditional practices, and systemic discrimination.
BBYDI has been at the forefront of advocating for the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in Kwara, Osun, and Niger States. To support this, the organization has developed:
Laws and Practices Against Women in Nigeria, highlighting legal gaps affecting women’s rights.
A Fact-sheet on the VAPP Act, providing a clear understanding of the law’s provisions.
A Policy Brief, outlining existing legal deficiencies and the way forward.
Additionally, BBYDI has trained 25 #SaferNet Ambassadors on online safety, deploying them to secondary schools across Kwara State to educate students and teachers on digital rights and internet safety.
A major highlight of the forum was the launch of the GBV Advocacy Toolkit, a resource designed to equip individuals, organizations, and policymakers with the knowledge and strategies needed to effectively prevent and respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
since the launch of BBYDI’s GBV Prevention Advocacy Project in 2024, the organization has:
Engaged first-class traditional rulers across Kwara’s three senatorial districts.
Conducted GBV prevention workshops for high chiefs.
Produced and aired GBV prevention jingles in local languages.
Co-created community-specific GBV prevention messages.
Produced storytelling videos to amplify survivors’ voices and challenge harmful societal norms.
Sanni-Jimoh emphasized that both religion and law stand firmly against GBV, reinforcing that Islam, Christianity, and traditional beliefs all uphold human dignity and reject oppression and injustice.
Prohibition Act criminalizes all forms of GBV, and there is no cultural, religious, or societal justification for any act that diminishes the worth of another human being,” she stated.
She also expressed gratitude to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and the late Balogun Ajikobi, Alhaji Isiaka Yusuf, for their unwavering support in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Representing the Commissioner for Women Affairs, the Ministry’s Director of Procurement, Finance, and Administration, CSR Reporters urge the society to encourage women and strongly condemn violators of women’s rights.
The forum reaffirmed that only through collaborative efforts, legal enforcement, and public awareness can GBV be eradicated in Kwara State and beyond.
