By No fewer than 250 female technology experts trained under the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAMinists) project have commenced a three-day hackathon aimed at developing innovative solutions to reduce gender-based violence in digital spaces.
The participants were trained between June and December 2025 by the Girl Child Values Support Initiative (GCVSI). The programme equipped them with a wide range of digital and technical skills including web design, 3D graphics, app development, animation, electronics, photography, videography, digital storytelling, podcasting, and drama.
Speaking at the opening of the hackathon, Senior Programme Officer of GCVSI, Owa Oluwatosin Zuriel, explained that the event was designed to harness the creativity and collaborative energy of the beneficiaries. She noted that the initiative would enable participants to brainstorm and develop practical, community-based strategies for tackling gender-based violence online.
As part of the broader project activities, GCVSI also organised a high-level advocacy and partnership forum themed: “Institutionalising STEAM for GBV Prevention, Disability Inclusion and Women’s Economic Empowerment.” The forum was supported by the French Embassy Fund (FEF) and CSOs Progress Partners.
Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Government has expressed strong commitment to promoting STEAM education as a tool for building safer and more inclusive communities. The state government described STEAM as critical to empowering women and girls economically while reducing vulnerability to gender-based violence.
Gender Desk Officer, Mary Ishaya, emphasised the importance of deliberate policy actions to strengthen STEAM education in schools. She called for improved science infrastructure, inclusion of GBV education in school curricula, participatory budgeting, and targeted empowerment programmes for women and girls.
Also speaking, the Director of Science, Technical and Vocational Education, Bashir Aliyu, reaffirmed the ministry’s support for the initiative. He described the project as a significant step toward skills development among young people and a practical approach to addressing gender-based violence in the state.
The organisers expressed optimism that the hackathon would produce innovative digital tools and platforms capable of promoting safer online environments for women and girls across Nigeria.
