These days, Zainab Asigar wakes up every school day with a smile, grateful that she no longer faces the fear of violence that once loomed over her in her hometown of Showakari. Her father, a former Boko Haram member who later died in prison, was adamant that she should not attend school. He even threatened to throw her out of the house if she defied his orders.
“I always wanted to go to school, but the fear of my father kept me from expressing my feelings,” Zainab recalls.
According to UNICEF, Nigeria is home to one in every five out-of-school children globally. Of the 10.5 million children aged 5–14 not attending school, 47.3 percent are girls, many of whom are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. In Borno State alone, an estimated 1.8 million children are out of school—a problem exacerbated by the Boko Haram insurgency and cultural barriers. These girls, instead of attending school, are often forced to hawk goods, exposing them to exploitation.
Community Action for Change
In 2017, the community took a bold step by forming the Community-Based Child Protection, or CBCP. This group of over 30 volunteers, including school teachers, community leaders, and even a girl from the local primary school, is committed to protecting the rights of girls. One of their aims is to create a safe space for girls to share their concerns without fear. The selected head girl, Hadiza, represents the voices of other girls in the community, ensuring that their needs are heard.
The CBCP’s chairperson, Alhaji Gaji, a health worker and former councillor of Jere, has been a strong advocate for Showakari Primary School. His passion for change is evident in his words: “We want the story to change; we want our daughters and sisters to have a bright future.”
This sentiment reflects the community’s growing determination to dismantle the sociocultural barriers that have kept girls out of school for too long.
Working with school management committees, the CBCP has been instrumental in reintegrating girls into school and reducing violence within the community. They offer counselling, collaborate with local schools and work with international organisations such as UNICEF and Save the Children to provide evening classes and learning materials.
Following Zainab’s ordeal, the CBCP stepped in, enrolling her in school and supplying her with the necessary resources to thrive.
Resilience Amidst Adversity
Halima Asigar, Zainab’s mother, shared the difficulties she faced in sending her children to school when her husband was alive. “My husband didn’t like me discussing education, especially for Zainab. We often fought about it,” she explained. Halima’s story is one of resilience, highlighting the challenges young girls face in pursuing education.
Maryam Muhammad, another girl from Showakari, spoke about her struggle to obtain school materials. “My father didn’t stop me from going to school, but he never spent a penny on it. I couldn’t go because I lacked the materials,” Maryam said. “One evening, CBCP asked why I wasn’t attending school. When I explained, they provided everything I needed. Since then, I’ve never lacked school materials.”
Empowering Through Vocational Training
Recognising the need for skills development, the CBCP partnered with Life at Best Development Initiative (LABDI), a non-governmental organisation supported by UNICEF. This partnership offers a five-month vocational training program for teenage girls, equipping them with skills for self-sufficiency. During the training, participants receive a stipend of fifteen thousand naira each month. At the end of the program, the girls are provided with working kits to help them start their own businesses.
Maryam Babagana, an 18-year-old trainee, shared her experience: “My grandma said I wouldn’t go to school, but she allowed me to join the vocational training thanks to the CBCP’s support.”
Ongoing Challenges
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Some volunteers have had to step back, realising the personal sacrifices required for the work. Cultural attitudes still often prioritise sending girls to work over education, hindering the CBCP’s mission.
“Selfishness is holding us back. Many want to claim benefits for themselves rather than support the vulnerable girls in our community,” said Alhaji Gaji. His words highlight the persistent struggle against self-interest and the ongoing need for collective responsibility.
Many parents still prefer their daughters to hawk goods for immediate income, which presents a continuous challenge for the CBCP. Yet, the group remains steadfast in their mission to create a safe and supportive learning environment for girls.
The journey is tough, but the CBCP’s unwavering dedication and the community’s support are making a difference. They have inspired hope among girls who now dream of a future free from fear and oppression. Together, they are fostering a brighter future for every girl in Showakari, one step at a time.
This story was produced with the support of Nigeria Health Watch through the Solutions Journalism Network, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to rigorous and compelling reporting about responses to social problems.
Zainab Asigar, a young girl from Showakari, no longer wakes up fearing violence since her father, a former Boko Haram member, passed away, allowing her to attend school despite his previous threats. The community of Showakari, located in Jere Local Government Area, faces significant challenges, as nearly 70% of girls are out of school due to cultural barriers, poverty, and Boko Haram insurgency. To combat this, the community established the Community-Based Child Protection (CBCP) in 2017 to support girls' education and rights.
The CBCP, with over 30 volunteers including teachers and community leaders, collaborates with international organizations to reintegrate girls into schools and reduce violence. They provide counseling, learning materials, and run vocational training programs in partnership with Life at Best Development Initiative, equipping girls with skills for self-sufficiency. Zainab's enrollment in school and support from CBCP has changed her life, and many others like her, who now have aspirations of a better future.
Despite progress, cultural attitudes and prioritizing immediate income through child labor remain obstacles. The CBCP continues to work tirelessly against these challenges, advocating for girls' education and empowerment. The journey is difficult, but with community support and initiatives like the CBCP, hope and opportunity are being fostered for Showakari girls yearning for a life of education and independence.