TechHer and NSCDC Launch School-Based GBV Prevention Programme, Induct Student Champions in Abuja

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

As part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, and in response to growing concerns around early exposure to school-based abuse and digital harms among adolescents, TechHer, in partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Gender Unit, implemented a school-based sensitisation programme comprising interactive workshops and learning sessions on online safety and reporting training. The event formally inaugurated the Say No to GBV Club at Junior Secondary School (JSS) Pasali, Abuja, with participation from Mercy Model School, Kuje.

The event brought together over 300 students aged 9 to 16, educators, government representatives, and development partners. The programme reflects a growing emphasis on early prevention, child safeguarding, and the integration of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness into formal education systems.

In his welcome address, Dr. Ugeme Richard emphasised the importance of institutional partnerships in enhancing student protection frameworks within public schools.

“This initiative directly strengthens student safety by improving awareness of abuse, increasing confidence to report concerns, and reinforcing a culture of protection within the school. Equipping students with the knowledge to recognise abuse and understand safe response pathways strengthens not just individual protection, but the overall safety culture within our school community,” he highlighted, as he encouraged each student present to take advantage of the insightful sessions.

Delivering the keynote address, Oluwakemi Ajet, Head of the Gender Unit at the NSCDC, emphasised the importance of embedding GBV prevention and reporting mechanisms within secondary school structures. She noted that early awareness and accessible reporting channels are critical to reducing long-term harm and underreporting.

“Every student has the right to feel safe, both online and offline. The Say No to GBV Club provides a structured and trusted space where students can learn, seek guidance, and report incidents without fear,” she said.

A key highlight of the programme was a student-led presentation by Mercy Model Secondary School, Kuje, demonstrating the effectiveness of peer-to-peer learning approaches in GBV prevention—where students are more likely to engage openly, internalise messages, and influence positive behaviour among their peers.

The presentation focused on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), referring to harmful acts such as cyberbullying, online harassment, non-consensual sharing of images, and other forms of abuse enabled or amplified through digital technologies. Using a talk show format and a short playlet, the students explored cyberbullying, its impact on survivors, and the shared responsibility of students, educators, parents, and communities in creating safer digital spaces.

Their performance reinforced a central message of the event: preventing online abuse requires collective awareness and action to ensure digital spaces remain inclusive, respectful, and supportive for women and girls.

The sensitisation session was facilitated by Esther Etokudo, Risk and Compliance Officer at TechHer, whose role focuses on safeguarding, digital risk mitigation, and strengthening institutional responses to online and offline abuse. She provided students with age-appropriate education on TFGBV, online safety practices, and reporting pathways.

“When students are equipped early with knowledge about online and offline abuse, they are better positioned to protect themselves and support others,” Etokudo said, before adding, “This programme prioritises prevention by combining awareness, practical safety guidance, and accessible reporting mechanisms.” She further introduced kuramng.org, TechHer’s online reporting platform for TFGBV, which enables confidential reporting and referrals to trusted survivor support services and relevant law enforcement agencies, and guided students on reporting incidents.

Following the training, 25 students were formally inducted by the NSCDC Gender Unit as GBV Student Champions to lead the Say No to GBV Clubs within their schools. These student leaders will serve as peer advocates and referral points, strengthening the linkage between school communities and security institutions in cases of Gender-Based Violence.

Other private sector stakeholders at the event emphasised the importance of cross-sector collaboration in sustaining efforts to prevent GBV. Mr. Omokolade Afolabi, Marketing Manager at Skyline (Pizza Hut and Mövenpick Ice Cream), noted the role of private sector support in advancing child protection initiatives.

“Supporting programmes that promote safety, rights awareness, and accountability among young people is an investment in stronger, more resilient communities,” he stated.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Abraham Alemede, Data Analyst from the SGBV Unit at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, commended the programme’s student-centred approach and the level of engagement demonstrated by participants.

“It is encouraging to see students actively involved in GBV prevention,” he said. “Their participation plays an important role in strengthening awareness and accountability at the community level.”

Student reflections further reinforced the programme’s relevance, with participants noting that the sessions improved their understanding of both online and offline forms of Gender-Based Violence, as well as the appropriate channels for seeking help and supporting peers.

Overall, the initiative highlights the shared commitment of TechHer and the NSCDC Gender Unit to preventive, school-based GBV interventions that prioritise early education, youth leadership, and strong institutional collaboration. The programme aligns with national and international child protection efforts to ensure that schools remain safe, inclusive environments for all learners.