Bauchi State had witnessed a strong start to a two-day Step-Down Training on Advancing Positive Masculinity through Youth-Led Activism, as young leaders and advocates gathered to examine the role of gender norms, power, and masculinity in addressing gender-based violence (GBV).
The Day One session was marked by high energy, active participation, and thought-provoking discussions, as participants engaged in interactive learning designed to challenge harmful social norms and promote healthier, more inclusive models of masculinity.
Through a combination of presentations, case studies, group work, and role-play exercises, facilitators guided participants to critically examine how rigid gender expectations contribute to violence, inequality, and discrimination, particularly against women and girls. The sessions also highlighted positive masculinity as a powerful tool for social change, peacebuilding, and community development.
Participants openly shared experiences from their communities, sparking deep conversations on gender roles, power relations, and the responsibility of men and boys in preventing GBV. Group presentations reflected a growing understanding of how youth-led advocacy can influence attitudes and behaviors at grassroots level.
Speaking during the training, facilitators emphasized the importance of empowering young people to become change agents who promote respect, equality, and non-violence in their communities. They noted that positive masculinity encourages men and boys to reject violence, embrace empathy, and support the rights and dignity of all genders.
The strong engagement and insightful contributions on Day One set a positive tone for the second day of the training, which is expected to focus on practical strategies for community action, advocacy, and cascading the knowledge gained to wider audiences across Bauchi State.
The training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen youth participation in promoting gender justice and reducing gender-based violence through education, dialogue, and collective action.