Beyond The Classroom Foundation Marks the Conclusion of 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Reaffirming Commitment to Girls’ Safety and Empowerment
Today marks the official conclusion of the 2025 Global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), yet for Beyond The Classroom Foundation (BTCF), the fight to end violence against women and girls is far from over. Throughout the campaign, BTCF strengthened youth engagement, school-based advocacy, and community collaboration to raise awareness, prevent violence, and empower young people with the knowledge and tools to create safer, more equitable spaces.
As a nonprofit organization committed to advancing girls’ rights, education, and empowerment, BTCF has taken a proactive approach to GBV prevention this year, ensuring that the 16-day movement translates into real, tangible action in communities and schools across Abuja. The Foundation’s activities emphasized that gender-based violence is not only a social issue but a collective responsibility requiring ongoing engagement from students, educators, parents, and community stakeholders.
School Outreach and Youth Engagement
BTCF initiated its advocacy campaign with targeted school visits, where students received education on consent, digital safety, sexual harassment prevention, and reporting mechanisms.
On November 25, 2025, at The New Vine Academy, Bwari, students participated in interactive sessions that empowered girls with knowledge of their rights and encouraged boys to act as allies in ending violence. The discussion included role-playing scenarios, awareness-building exercises, and practical guidance on supporting peers who may face harassment or abuse.
November 28, 2025, saw BTCF at Community Secondary School, Kabusa, where sessions focused on the emerging challenges teenagers face online, including cyberbullying, impersonation, and sextortion. Students were equipped with strategies to recognize, respond to, and report digital threats, highlighting the need for digital literacy as part of GBV prevention.
BTCF returned on December 2, 2025, for follow-up engagement at the same school, reinforcing earlier lessons, addressing lingering questions, and ensuring sustained understanding of GBV prevention, reporting mechanisms, and personal safety strategies.
Strategic Partnerships to Amplify Impact
In partnership with Global Shapers Abuja Hub, BTCF expanded the reach of its advocacy on November 26, 2025, visiting Army Day Secondary School and Government Day Secondary School (GDSS), Wuse. These joint sessions underscored that preventing violence against girls requires coordinated efforts and shared responsibility among youth, educators, and community leaders.
Media Engagement: The Amplify Radio Show
BTCF also leveraged its Amplify radio show to extend the campaign’s impact beyond classrooms. A special episode dedicated to GBV prevention featured expert discussions on the structural, social, and personal dimensions of violence against women and girls. Guest speakers, including Olanike Timipa Uge, Oluwaseun O. Daniel, Abubakar Abdullahi, and Kaseina Nkom Dashe, offered insights on identifying risk factors, supporting survivors, and building a culture of accountability. The show reached audiences across Abuja and online, reinforcing the message that education, awareness, and community engagement are essential to ending GBV.
Call to Action and Recommendations
As BTCF concludes its formal activities for the 16 Days of Activism, the Foundation stresses that this is merely a milestone, not the endpoint. Sustained action is critical to protect girls and ensure lasting change. BTCF recommends:
- Institutionalizing GBV Education in Schools – Consent, harassment prevention, and digital safety should be integrated into school curricula and ongoing programs.
- Prioritizing Digital Safety for Students – Schools and parent associations must provide regular digital literacy training to equip teenagers against cyber threats.
- Strengthening Reporting and Support Systems – Schools should have clear safeguarding policies, trusted reporting channels, and trained personnel for immediate support.
- Engaging Boys and Young Men in GBV Prevention – Boys must be active participants in campaigns to reshape harmful norms, build empathy, and promote non-violence.
- Expanding Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration – NGOs, schools, youth groups, and government agencies must continue joint efforts to maximize impact and share resources.
Adah Emmanuel, BTCF’s Project Manager, noted, “While today marks the end of the 16-day campaign, our commitment to protecting girls and promoting gender equality continues every day. Our goal is to ensure that knowledge, safety, and empowerment become embedded in schools, homes, and communities.”
Through these activities, Beyond The Classroom Foundation has demonstrated that advocacy, education, and community engagement are essential tools for preventing gender-based violence. The Foundation reaffirms that the fight against GBV is a long-term endeavor, requiring persistent action, systemic change, and collective responsibility to create a safer and more equitable future for girls and young people in Nigeria.
