The Center for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development (CEPASD), an NGO, with support from the Government of Ireland through the Embassy of Ireland Nigeria, has trained 20 community youths as Anti-Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Ambassadors and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) Champions in Abuja.

Mr. Augustine Igweshi, the Executive Director of CEPASD, said the training was part of CEPASD’s project, Promoting Gender Equality and Women Empowerment: An Approach to End SGBV,” aimed at empowering youth to become agents of change in their communities.

According to him, the two-day training brought together youth from Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, and Kuje, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to; advocate against SGBV and promote SRHR, prevent and report cases of SGBV and support survivors of SGBV.

However, the Executive Director of CEPASD, in his speech emphasized on the project’s objectives and the critical role of youth in ending SGBV.

He said the objective of the training is to raise a new generation of Anti-SGBV Ambassadors and SRHR Champions who will champion the cause of gender equality, promote SRHR, and report cases of SGBV in their communities,” he said.

Similarly, he said the training is aimed at enhancing  participants’ understanding of SGBV and SRHR, build their capacity to advocate and prevent SGBVand foster a network of youth champions to promote gender equality.

In his remarks, he said CEPASD acknowledges the support of the Government of Ireland through the Embassy of Ireland Nigeria, whose funding enabled this critical initiative.

“CEPASD urges all stakeholders to join forces in ending SGBV and promoting SRHR. Together, we can create a safer, more equitable society for all,” he said. (NAN)