The Peace Bridges and Community Linkages Initiative, PEBCLIN, has commenced a new project aimed at promoting gender-inclusive civic engagement and democratic participation among youths and secondary school students in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State.

The project, known as Mainstreaming Gender Education in Civic Engagement for Inclusive Democracy, GECID, is being implemented by PEBCLIN in partnership with I Am Change Organization and the Lapai Emirate Council.

Speaking at the project’s kick-off in Lapai, the Executive Director of PEBCLIN, Abdullahi Shuaibu, said the initiative was designed to address gaps in civic education, particularly the limited participation of young women and girls in community decision-making.

He said the project would introduce school-based civic clubs, gender-sensitive civic education and youth dialogue sessions to equip students with knowledge of their civic rights, voter education, leadership and the importance of gender equality in promoting peace and democracy.

According to him, the initiative will directly engage hundreds of youths and students across Lapai Local Government Area, with the aim of developing a new generation of civic leaders where both girls and boys can participate equally in governance.

Mr Shuaibu said the project would also strengthen young people’s understanding of democratic processes and encourage peaceful participation in community affairs.

He explained that the partnership with the Lapai Emirate Council and civil society organisations reflects the importance of involving traditional institutions and other stakeholders in strengthening governance and peacebuilding at the grassroots.

The PEBCLIN Executive Director said the GECID project aligns with the United Nations Youth, Peace and Security Agenda, particularly United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250, which recognises the role of young people in promoting peace, security and inclusive governance.