No fewer than 700 students of Government Science Secondary School, Maitama and Government Science Technical College, Area 3, Garki Abuja have completed five weeks training on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence SGBV and Gender-Based Violence GBV. 

The training was facilitated by the Center for Peace, Advocacy and Sustainable Development (CEPASD) through its Educational Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) Project and saw students stage drama presentations that addressed SGBV/GBV in the society.

According to statistics from the International Growth Centre, Nigeria has long been facing a gender-based violence crisis, with 30% of women and girls aged 15-49 having experienced some form of sexual abuse.

The United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA also draws attention to the fact that "...the incidence of Gender Based Violence (GBV) is growing astronomical with the activities of the insurgency in the North East. From forced and early marriages to the physical, mental or sexual assault on a woman, nearly 3 in 10 Nigerian women have experienced physical violence by age 15."

Several groups and organisations have stepped up the campaign to help stem this menace.

CEPASD in a statement made available to Timeline.ng revealed that the project was centred on using STEAM-based activities to raise SGBV/ GBV awareness amongst students as well as how to deal with SGBV by reporting and speaking up.

According to the statement, the training "impacted and raised SGBV/ GBV awareness amongst over 700 students who are now advocates and voice against SGBV/GBV in the society."

It added that the students are championing SGBV/ GBV campaign titled 'the Advocate!'

While appreciating the Project writer Rania Lampou and Project sponsor Prof. Peter Bheda for their contribution and support, CEPASD also expressed gratitude to its team of volunteers for their dedication, resilience and hard work to ensuring the success of the project. 

CEPASD further extended gratitude to the Department of Science and Technology of the Federal Capital Territory Administration for the approval to implement the project as well as to its partner Roost Foundation and Public Intel Dacore.