The Founder and Executive Director of Zenith of the Girl Child and Women Initiative Support (ZEGCAWIS), Aishatu Kabu, has recounted her journey from being a displaced girl from Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State to becoming a leading advocate for the rights of women and girls affected by conflict.
Kabu shared her story while appearing as a guest on Spotlight, a programme on S24 Television Abuja.
Speaking during the interview, she recalled how the Boko Haram insurgency forced many families, including hers, to flee their homes in Damboa, one of the worst-hit areas of Borno State.
“I was a displaced girl from Damboa,” she said, explaining that her personal experience of displacement inspired her passion for supporting vulnerable women and girls affected by insecurity.
According to Kabu, witnessing the hardships faced by displaced girls motivated her to dedicate her life to advocacy, particularly in promoting the protection, education and empowerment of girls living in conflict-affected communities.
She highlighted the challenges girls face during periods of conflict, including disruption of education, limited opportunities and increased vulnerability.
Kabu said one of her major interventions was in Mafa and other affected communities, where she worked to encourage displaced girls who were out of school to embrace education despite the difficult circumstances.
She explained that through community engagement and advocacy, she persuaded families and young girls to understand that education remains one of the most effective tools for overcoming poverty, displacement and other challenges associated with conflict.
The activist also outlined some of the difficulties she faces in her advocacy work, including time constraints, strained personal relationships and family-related challenges.
Despite these obstacles, she said the positive impact of her work continues to motivate her.
“I feel fulfilled whenever I interact with people affected by conflict and see positive changes in their lives. The joy on their faces gives me more strength to continue,” she stated.
Kabu revealed that during her days in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, her colleagues nicknamed her “Aishatu IDP” because of her determination and commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls, especially those of school age.
While emphasizing the need for greater support for girls and women in conflict zones, she noted that advocacy efforts should also consider the welfare and development of the boy child.
She further called on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to focus on impact rather than financial gains, stressing that donor support should be guided by genuine humanitarian values and clear developmental objectives.
Kabu also acknowledged the challenges faced by women advocates in northern Nigeria, noting that cultural and societal barriers often place men at an advantage. However, she expressed confidence that Northern Muslim women would continue to contribute meaningfully to the development and empowerment of their communities.
She urged stakeholders, development partners and community leaders to strengthen efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring access to education for children affected by conflict.
