Bauchi, Nigeria 20 youth between 10 and 19 years old from two rural communities in Bauchi State took photographs in small groups as part of a 2-day gathering, organized by the Bauchi team from the Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) project.
Need for helping hands
Challenge
Solution
Girls in Bauchi are expected to do household work more than boys. The photograph shows a young girl overwhelmed with household chores while her brothers are playing nearby.
This photograph, by contrast, shows a young girl whose brothers are helping her with the household chores, to ease her burden.
Girls group, 13-14 years old, Anonymous
Almajiri’s Life
Challenge
Solution
The photograph shows two young boys living on the streets. Some young boys (but not young girls) in northern Nigeria are sent by their parents to live with religious teachers. Many of them end up having to survive on their own. They go hungry, don’t get any education, and are vulnerable to abuse.
This photograph shows the same two boys looking happy and in school uniform. Some schools now offer both Western and Islamic education and young boys can attend them in their communities while living at home.
Boys group (12-14 years old) Yusuf Peter, Jibrin Murtala, Kabiru Adamu, Abdullah Adamu
Gender Inequality
Challenge
Solution
In some rural communities, boys are expected to work for the family (such as collecting firewood, working on the farm) while their sisters attend school. The photograph shows a boy working outdoors and looking at his sister in her school uniform going to school.
Both boys and girls have the right to attend school. In this photograph, both the boy and his sister are wearing school uniform and walking to school.
Group of adolescent boys (unmarried), 17-19 years old Atiku Danyaro, Aliyu Musa, Manniru Dantadi
Sexual Abuse: Young women and girls are at risk of sexual violence outside their homes. The photograph shows a girl carrying firewood on her head. Two boys are chasing her. One of the two has caught up with her and is sexually harassing her.
Abuse at Home: Many young married women face abuse at home from their husbands. The photograph shows a young woman being verbally abused by her husband in front of her children.
Forced Marriage: Some adolescent girls face early and forced marriage. The photograph shows a young girl in tears, dressed in wedding attire and surrounded by gifts (bride-price) from the husband’s family. Her mother is also upset.
Group of adolescent girls (unmarried), 16-18 years old Murjanatu Usman, Khadija Abdullahi, Khadija Yakubu Ahmad, Zainab Idris
Group of adolescent girls (married), 18-19 years old Anonymous
Group of adolescent girls (unmarried), 15-19 years old Khadija Umar, Hajara Sumaina, Habiba Sabo, Fatima Abdullahi