Breaking Barriers: Empowering Yobe’s Young Women for Peace and Change
iDove project implemented by Youth Initiative Against Terrorism (YIAT)
in Yobe State, northeastern Nigeria
Even though Boko Haram insurgency is affecting both genders in Yobe state, northeast Nigeria, women, particularly young women, bear a disproportionate impact. Unfortunately, prevailing patriarchal gender norms in the region lead to their exclusion from prevention/countering violent extremism (PCVE) and post-conflict recovery efforts. Women’s role in the PCVE is often limited to their roles as mothers, with arguments emphasizing their ability to detect early signs of radicalization in their family members and influence their children’s values of tolerance and acceptance. However, by restricting women’s involvement in PCVE to the private sphere (as mothers, wives, and sisters), there’s a risk of overlooking their broader capacity to prevent violent extremism.
Mu Gudu Tare Fellows and a cross-section of participants during a sensitization campaign in Damaturu. Photo: Youth Initiative Against Terrorism (YIAT). 2024.
To address this issue, Youth Initiative Against Terrorism (YIAT) has launched the Mu Gudu Tare Fellowship for Young Women project with the overall goal of Empowering Yobe’s young women to challenge gender norms and foster inclusive partnerships for lasting peace and PCVE.
A cross-section of Mu Gudu Tare Fellows during one of the capacity building trainings. Photo: Youth Initiative Against Terrorism (YIAT). 2024.
The Project Goals
1.
Equip young women in Yobe state with relevant skills, to enhance their abilities to actively participate in peacebuilding and PCVE efforts.
2.
Challenge patriarchal gender norms prevalent in the region through advocacy, and community engagement, to create an environment where women have equal opportunities and agency in PCVE initiatives.
3.
Foster partnerships with local communities, civil society organizations, and governmental bodies to create a supportive ecosystem for young women’s involvement in PCVE and peacebuilding activities, to promote inclusivity and sustainable change.
Mu Gudu Tare Fellows and a cross-section of participants during sensitization campaigns. Photo: Youth Initiative Against Terrorism (YIAT). 2024.
Mu Gudu Tare Fellows and project team pose a photo after one of the capacity building trainings. Photo: Youth Initiative Against Terrorism (YIAT). 2024.
To accomplish these goals, the Mu Gudu Tare Fellowship for Young Women project has provided a transformative six-month capacity-building activities for 30 young women in PCVE and peacebuilding. Through a comprehensive appraoch involving training, mentorship, community projects, and media engagement (radio programs and video documentary), the program helps to reshape gender norms, enhance community resilience against violent extremism, and foster social cohesion.
Mu Gudu Tare Fellows and stakeholders pose for a group photo during the closing ceremony and networking event. Photo: Youth Initiative Against Terrorism (YIAT). 2024.
Turning the Tide: Nawiri’s Gender-Inclusive Approach to Countering Extremism in Kinango
Reimagining Peace: Youth Empowerment and Gender Equality in Liptako’s PVE Mission
Meet the YIAT iDove
Project Team
Sa’adatu Njidda
Training Facilitator (Consultant), Youth Initiative Against Terrorism (YIAT)
Muhammad Haruna Alhaji
Finance Officer, Youth Initiative Against Terrorism (YIAT)
Muhammad Pindar
Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant, Youth Initiative Against Terrorism (YIAT)
News
Training Videos
Mu Gudu Tare Fellowship 2024 – First Training
Impact Stories
Reclaiming Hope and Leadership in Boko Haram’s Shadow
Learn More
Catch Up On YIAT’s Project Activities
About iDove
The iDove program on Interfaith Dialogue and Prevention of Violent Extremism offers youth-driven, innovative solutions to prevent violence. Implemented by seven local organizations associated with iDovers—youth peacebuilders from Europe, Asia, and Africa—the program strengthens small-scale projects and supports broader iDover engagement. The Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers enhances these organizations’ capacity, ensuring timely, effective, youth-led responses to violence prevention. Visit the programme page.
Follow iDove on
social media