Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a significant challenge in Northern Nigeria, where structural inequalities, economic marginalization, and entrenched socio-cultural norms continue to expose women and girls to heightened vulnerability.
In response to this pressing issue,the Bridge Connect Africa Initiative (BCAI) implemented the second edition of its capstone event under the Women Against Violence Empowered Through Sustainability (WAVES) project.
The WAVES initiative was designed to address GBV through an integrated approach that combines economic empowerment, climate-smart agriculture, agribusiness development, and awareness on GBV prevention.
The project specifically targets vulnerable women and girls, equipping them with skills in financial literacy, sustainable agriculture, and entrepreneurship, while also strengthening their access to support networks.
Through the intervention, about 50 women and girls in Kano State have received training and support aimed at improving their economic resilience and enabling them to build sustainable livelihoods.
The project also promotes innovative practices such as circular economy models, allowing participants to transform agricultural waste into productive resources.
As the project approaches completion, the WAVES Project Phase II will serve as a platform to celebrate the achievements of participants, amplify their voices, and engage key stakeholders including policymakers, development partners, private sector actors, and civil society organizations.
According to the organizers, the showcase is designed to provide beneficiaries with an opportunity to present their products, agribusiness initiatives, and entrepreneurial ventures developed during the project. It will also highlight personal stories of resilience and transformation among participating women.
The event aims to strengthen linkages between beneficiaries and potential partners, customers, and investors, while increasing awareness among stakeholders on the role of women’s economic empowerment in preventing gender-based violence.
Additionally, the showcase seeks to promote the WAVES model as an innovative and scalable approach to tackling gender inequality and building community resilience.
Key activities at the event will include product exhibitions featuring agricultural produce and value-added goods, participant storytelling sessions, and the screening of a documentary capturing the journey of the project and its beneficiaries.
A stakeholder engagement session will also be held, bringing together government representatives, civil society organizations, and development partners to discuss strategies for advancing women’s empowerment.
The WAVE Showcase II is expected to attract between 300 and 400 participants, including community leaders, traditional authorities, media organizations, donor agencies, and private sector stakeholders.
Organizers say the event will enhance the visibility of women-led enterprises, create opportunities for market linkages, partnerships, and mentorship, and strengthen advocacy efforts by demonstrating the link between economic empowerment and the prevention of gender-based violence.
The event will be documented through photography, videography, and media coverage, with stories and highlights disseminated across digital and traditional platforms to amplify the impact of the WAVES initiative.