Pulse.ng : Kaduna: e-CAPH, Beulah Future Leaders Foundation Trains Adolescents, Young Adults on Breaking Silence, Issues Surrounding SGB

By Sani Idris

An NGO, Enhancing Communities Action for Peace and Better Health Initiative (e-CAPH) in partnership with Beulah Future Leaders Foundation have trained 40 adolescents and young adults in Rigachikun, Igabi LGA of Kaduna State on breaking silence and confronting other issues surrounding Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

The Founder/Executive Director of e-CAPH, Mr Yusha’u Abubakar, while speaking to newsmen at the sideline, said the training was critical to thier unwavering commitment to eradicating SGBV and to breaking the deafening silence surrounding the pervasive issue in the society.

Yusha’u noted that the primary focus of the training was to empower the participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to bolster their self-esteem and become advocates for improved access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services.

He added that the aim was to equip them with the tools and insights needed to champion the fight against SGBV within their communities.

Abubakar disclosed that with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), they launched a crucial training programme for 80 adolescents and young adults in Igabi and Chikun Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

He said the anticipated programme outcome was to enhance utilisation of sexual Assault Referral Centers.

“We anticipate a notable increase in the number of individuals seeking assistance at sexual assault referral centers. By raising awareness and dispelling stigma, our trained advocates will encourage survivors to access these vital services promptly and without fear,”he said.

He added that with the training programme, there would be improved sccess to SRH Services, noting that as a direct result of the initiative, communities would experience improved access to high-quality sexual and reproductive health services.

“Our advocates will play a pivotal role in disseminating accurate information and ensuring that essential SRH services are available and accessible to all, irrespective of age or gender.

Speaking on the impact of the initiative to the society, the Executive Director said it holds the potential to catalyse significant positive changes in the society while aligning with the broader goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda.

He therefore noted that going in line with the SDGs, the initiative would accelerate progress through empowering young advocates to combat SGBV and promote SRH rights.

“We are directly contributing to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). The advocates will work tirelessly to bridge existing gaps and inequalities, foster an environment where gender-based violence is condemned and health services are accessible to all,” he said.

Abubakar added that it would in line with the SDGs, promote inclusivity and empowerment, stating that the project embodied the principles of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

He explained that through training of advocates to amplify the voices of marginalised communities, they were striving to create a more just and inclusive society where every individual’s rights are upheld, and violence is eradicated.

Speaking further, the Executive Director mentioned the benefit of the initiative to the society to be manifold, noting that it holds the potential to usher in a wave of positive change.

He said it would empower the youths, where their trained advocates would emerge as change-makers, influencing their peers and communities positively.

he added that the empowered advocates would act as role models and mentors, by inspiring others to join the fight against SGBV and advocate for SRH rights.

He also said the programme would ensure reduction in SGBV Incidents by liveraging on increased awareness and advocacy.

“We aim to significantly reduce incidents of sexual and gender-based violence, ultimately creating safer and more supportive communities, advance gender eqauality by actively promoting it and SRH rights

“We are contributing to a more equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their gender,”Abubakar said.

Earlier speaking to some participants of the training, Mubarak Rabiu, said he has now learn about sexual reproductive issues and problems in society such as unwanted pregnancy, infections, and many others.

Another participant, Aliyu Muhammad, said so many people lack awareness, noting that it causes the problem of early pregnancy.

He said he would use the knowledge he got from the training to teach his sisters, student/ friends, and also mentor his followers on social media.

On her part, Aisha Abdullahi, said she learned about different types of family planning and how to go about it.

Similarly, Jamila Sambo, said she learned how to create awareness about youths and their related problems.

“I also learned more on family planning and now I am more informed on how to approach and educate the women in my communnity on health problems associated in not practicing child spacing,”Sambo said.(NAN)(www.nannes.ng)