BCAI Showcases Impact of WAVES Project in Combating Gender-Based Violence in Kano
The Bridge Connect Africa Initiative (BCAI) has demonstrated significant progress in strengthening economic and empowerment opportunities as a strategic approach to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Kano. This initiative, implemented through the Women Against Violence Empowered through Sustainability (WAVES) project, is a collaborative effort with the Kano state government, the Embassy of France in Nigeria, and other key stakeholders, having empowered more than 50 women in the region.
Multi-Purpose Approach to Address Structural Challenges
At the recent WAVES showcase II event in Kano, Sani Mohammad, the executive director of BCAI, explained that the WAVES project was conceived in response to persistent structural challenges, particularly the intersection of gender-based violence and economic vulnerability faced by women. Mohammad emphasized that the project employs a multi-purpose approach, including economic empowerment, skill acquisition, and financial literacy programs, to reduce women's vulnerability to violence.
He highlighted that the showcase event was designed to reflect on the training's impact and its significance to beneficiaries' livelihoods as the project nears the end of its life cycle. Mohammad expressed satisfaction that the intervention has equipped 50 women beneficiaries with skills in financial literacy, climate-smart agriculture, and business development under WAVES phase II.
Integrated Model and Institutional Collaboration
Mohammad further detailed that the WAVES model is an integrated approach, combining economic strengthening with GBV awareness, access to support systems, and climate-responsive livelihood strategies. This reflects a broader understanding that sustainable outcomes require coordinated, multisectoral responses rather than fragmented interventions.
He also noted the importance of connecting community-level progress with institutional reforms, citing ongoing conversations around the Women's Economic Empowerment Policy as a key opportunity. Mohammad commended the Embassy of France in Nigeria and AgrofixiNG for their instrumental support in achieving the project's significant milestones.
Government Support and Multi-Sectoral Efforts
Hajiya Aminu Abdullahi, Kano state Commissioner for Women Affairs, praised BCAI for the GBV project, stating it complements the state's efforts to enhance social inclusion for women. She outlined that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's administration has implemented targeted initiatives, such as monthly financial support to 5,200 women across 44 Local Government Areas to bolster small-scale businesses.
Additionally, the Commissioner reported that 400 survivors of sexual and gender-based violence have received financial assistance from the state government to rebuild their livelihoods and reintegrate into society. She stressed that addressing GBV requires a multi-sectoral approach, urging Civil Society Organizations, private sector actors, and philanthropists to continue supporting government interventions.
International Partnership and Alignment with National Priorities
In a goodwill message, Pierre-Louis Bonnel, representative of the Embassy of France in Nigeria, stated that the French government is partnering with BCAI for the WAVES Project through the French Embassy Fund for Civil Society Organizations. He explained that this support aligns with Nigeria's national priorities and efforts to combat gender-based violence, grounded in the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.
The project has extended its reach across communities while strengthening institutional linkages and policy advocacy platforms, showcasing a comprehensive strategy to tackle GBV through empowerment and collaboration.
