By Atoyebi Nike
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reiterated its commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and promoting gender equality across Nigeria, particularly at the grassroots level.
Speaking during the launch of the first phase of a gender sensitization and advocacy campaign in Bauchi on Wednesday, NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, said the initiative would be championed through the Corps’ Gender Vanguard Community Development Service (CDS) groups. Nafiu, who was represented by the Bauchi State Coordinator, Rifkatu Yakubu, noted that the campaign will be rolled out across all 774 local government areas.
He explained that the programme, an initiative of the NYSC’s Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement Department, is designed to expose and tackle the negative impacts of gender-based violence and inequality in rural communities.
“Gender issues are often wrongly perceived as affecting only females, but they concern both men and women — their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities,” Nafiu stated. “No individual should be denied the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
The NYSC, according to him, has made notable progress in addressing GBV through corps-led initiatives, including the creation of Gender Clubs in schools and referrals for victims of abuse via the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs’ GBV toll-free hotline.
He called on stakeholders across sectors to support the campaign and remain proactive in addressing gender-related issues, stressing that collective effort is essential to achieve lasting change.
In a testimonial, student representative Hafsat Yusuf shared how the sensitization has empowered her to report abuse and educate her peers. “I will share the knowledge gained with my friends at school and at home,” she said.
The NYSC assured continued collaboration with partners and government agencies to strengthen gender mainstreaming and advocacy efforts nationwide.
