Kano, Nigeria – 6–8 December 2024 – As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based
Violence (GBV) continue, Lift Africa Foundation expands its community engagement efforts
with a series of outreach activities across key public spaces in Kano. Over a three-day period, the
Foundation reaches students, educators, market communities and grassroots networks at Sa’adatu
Rimi College of Education, Yan Kaba Market, and Farm Centre GSM Market, strengthening
public understanding of GBV and reinforcing calls for systemic protection.
These outreach engagements form a critical component of the campaign — ensuring that
advocacy messages extend beyond policy dialogues and media spaces into the daily
environments where women, girls, and families live, work and learn.
Raising Awareness in Learning Spaces: Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education
At Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Lift Africa Foundation facilitates interactive sessions
with:
- student teachers
- lecturers
- female students’ associations
- school administrators
The Foundation emphasises the critical role of educators in GBV prevention, focusing on: - identifying signs of abuse
- responding appropriately to disclosures
- promoting gender-sensitive teaching practices
- supporting students at risk of early marriage or exploitation
- understanding the importance of a unified VAPP framework
Future teachers are equipped with accurate knowledge about GBV laws and encouraged to
model safe and supportive environments for children.
Engaging Market Communities: Yan Kaba Market & Farm Centre GSM
Market
and community leaders through:
- awareness talks
- one-on-one conversations
- distribution of educational materials
- demonstrations on how to report violence
- clarifying misconceptions about GBV and the VAPP Act
These engagements highlight the everyday realities faced by women and girls in public spaces,
including:
- harassment
- economic violence
- coercion and intimidation
- stigma against survivors
- lack of awareness of rights and legal protection
The Foundation underscores that protection is not only a private matter — it extends to markets,
workplaces and all public spaces.
Addressing Community Questions and Misconceptions
During the outreach, community members raise common questions, including:
- Does the VAPP Act conflict with religious values?
- How does the law protect married women?
- What are the penalties for offenders?
- How can cases be reported discreetly?
- What services are available for survivors?
Lift Africa provides clear, respectful and evidence-driven responses, helping communities
understand that the VAPP Act reinforces justice, accountability and family welfare.
Strengthening Community Ownership of GBV Prevention
Across the three outreach days, Lift Africa Foundation works to build grassroots ownership of
the campaign by encouraging communities to:
- challenge harmful norms
- reject silence around violence
- support survivors without shame or stigma
- encourage early reporting
- promote safe, respectful relationships
- advocate for the VAPP Act with local leaders
Community members, especially women and youth, express strong support for legal reform and
request continued sensitisation beyond the 16 Days of Activism.
Expanding Pathways to Support and Justice
Lift Africa Foundation ensures that participants receive accurate information about:
- the Waraka Sexual Assault Referral Centre
- medical, psychosocial and legal services for survivors
- emergency response pathways
- child protection channels
- support available through CSOs and state agencies
The outreach also results in multiple referrals, demonstrating the ongoing need for accessible and
confidential support.
Lift Africa Foundation’s Commitment
Through these community engagements, Lift Africa Foundation reinforces its commitment to
grassroots advocacy that is:
- inclusive
- accessible
- culturally responsive
- survivor-centred
- evidence-driven
The Foundation remains dedicated to ensuring that every woman, girl and family understands
their rights, has access to support and can participate meaningfully in statewide efforts to end
GBV.
This community outreach marks a critical pillar of the 16 Days campaign — bringing
information, solidarity and advocacy directly to the people most affected by violence, inequality
and legal gaps.