OKDI Leads Charge Against GBV In Gombe Schools

BY NAJIB SANI, GOMBE

As part of efforts to combat the prevalence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in schools in Gombe State, a non-governmental organisation ‘Open Knowledge Development Initiative’ (OKDI) with support from PLAN International, has developed a GBV prevention and response framework aimed at creating safer schools for young girls.

At the heart of this initiative is the training of five schools in GBV prevention and response strategies.

Executive director of the organisation, Adamu Usman Garko explained that the programme also includes the formation of teachers’ and gender clubs within schools to provide a supportive environment for girls to thrive.

According to him, Gombe is one of the red zones for GBV in Nigeria, making the initiative crucial and essential.

Also speaking, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at OKDI, Muib Shefiu, emphasised that the organisation is committed to empowering youth to protect themselves from harassment.

Alarmingly, OKDI reported five cases of GBV in the state within just one week, reiterating the urgent need for effective prevention and response mechanisms.

Participants at the event identified gaps in existing policies and strategies, including inadequate awareness about the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law and how to report GBV incidents.

To address these challenges, OKDI and its partners advocated for the establishment of special courts to handle GBV cases in the state.