About the Project
The We For Them (WFT) project worked to prevent and respond to sexual harassment and gender-based violence in public spaces, with a focus on motor parks and tertiary institutions in Kaduna. By raising awareness, building capacity, and fostering community-led advocacy, the project empowered transport workers, academic staff, students, commuters, traders, and young people to create safer environments for everyone.
Key Achievements
- Art & Cultural Event during 16 Days of Activism (2023) A powerful multi-stakeholder event that used spoken word, drama, and panel discussions to highlight sexual harassment in public spaces and challenge harmful cultural norms. The event brought together government officials, union leaders, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, and the Sexual Assault Referral Centre.
- Distribution of 2,400 IEC Materials Gender-responsive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials were shared in motor parks, marketplaces, secondary schools, and traditional leaders’ councils, reaching both primary and secondary beneficiaries with clear preventive messages.
- Community-Led Sensitisation by NURTW Members Trained transport workers took ownership by organising and leading sensitisation sessions in multiple motor parks, engaging motorists, commuters, and women traders on laws, reporting mechanisms, and the importance of respecting personal boundaries.
- Strengthened Institutional Commitment at Kaduna Polytechnic ASUP members pledged to uphold the institution’s sexual harassment policy, were certified as ambassadors against sexual harassment, and formed an advocacy committee to work with the Policy and Transparency Division.
- Capacity Building for EWEI Staff An intensive 8-week training programme in collaboration with Kaduna State University and the Centre for Study and Resolution of Domestic Violence (CESRDOV) covered GBV response, gender mainstreaming, psychosocial support, fundraising, and more.
Most Significant Change Story
One of the proudest moments was earning the full commitment of ASUP members at Kaduna Polytechnic. Despite initial challenges caused by internal disputes, beneficiaries publicly pledged to enforce the institution’s sexual harassment policy, support survivors, and serve as official ambassadors. Their certification and ongoing advocacy work demonstrate lasting institutional change and a strong resolve to protect the rights and dignity of everyone on campus.
Approaches & Methodologies
- Awareness Raising & Community Mobilisation – Seminars, motor park engagements, and school outreach.
- Arts and Culture – Drama, spoken word, and panel discussions to provoke reflection and dialogue.
- Training & Capacity Building – For staff and primary beneficiaries.
- Advocacy and Influencing – Engaging traditional leaders, unions, and government ministries.
- Technology – Use of documentaries, WhatsApp groups for pre-seminar learning, and digital tools (Kobotoolbox, Excel, SPSS) for surveys and data analysis.
Sustainability Measures
- NURTW Bye-Law – Officially adopted by the NURTW state executive council to institutionalise disciplinary measures and ongoing SGBV sensitisation in motor parks.
- Billboards in Secondary Schools – Permanent installations maintained by school authorities, providing ongoing awareness and access to the GBV toll-free helpline.
- Audio-Visual Advocacy Materials – Survivor stories and staff pledges used for future orientations and awareness campaigns.
- ASUP Advocacy Committee – Collaborates with the institution’s Policy and Transparency Division for continuous sensitisation of new students and staff, with technical support from EWEI.
Lessons Learned
- Community members respond more enthusiastically when sensitisation is led by one of their own.
- Multimedia resources (e.g., documentaries) spark deeper critical thinking and empathy.
- Thorough documentation and formal communication are essential when working with unions and institutions.
- Traditional leaders play a vital role in cascading messages against gender-based violence to their communities.
The We For Them project has successfully concluded, leaving behind stronger policies, empowered ambassadors, and safer public spaces in Kaduna. The fight against sexual harassment continues through the structures and partnerships built during this initiative.
