NSCDC Launches SGBV Clubs In Schools

By Nkiru Njemanze

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has launched a, Say NO to Sexual, Gender Based Violence, SGBV, club
across schools in Nigeria to educate students on gender equality.

NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, inaugurated the club in Abuja during the maiden National Women’s Conference with the theme “Enhancing Capacity and Mainstreaming Gender Effectively Within and Beyond the Workplace”.

According to the CG, education plays a pivotal role in shaping perspectives and by launching the SGBV Club in schools, the Federal Government has taken a crucial step towards fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and empathy.

“It is a collective effort to educate, empower, and create a generation that will stand against any form of gender-based violence which means through education and awareness we can dismantle stereotypes”.

The CG said that it was a must to recognize that the empowerment of women was not just a moral imperative but a strategic one to enhance capacity, not just within the workplace but in every sphere of life.

“The struggle for gender equality is not a battle of women against men, each one of us, regardless of gender, has a role to play in dismantling the barriers that limit the potential of half of our population,” Audi said.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Technical duties, Professor Bolaji Babatunde called for the need to increase funding and prioritise training of security agencies in order to position them to effectively combat the menace of SGBV in schools and the workplace.

In an address, NSCDC Gender Desk Head, Assistant Commandant of the Corps, Kemi Ajet, said that the clubs would serve as a beacon of awareness, education and support.

Mrs Ajet further said that the club will empower students to stand up against SGBV thereby fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and accountability within Nigeria’s educational institutions.

Edited By Grace Namiji