The Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund, has commence capacity-building workshop for its staff on Gender-Based Violence GBV, Female Genital Mutilation and the integration of Sexual and Reproductive Health education.
The workshop was held at the in Abuja on Tuesday.
Dr Hamira Welye, Tteam Leader of the United Nations Population Fund,
said the programme was rooted in awareness building, aimed at raising consciousness on GBV, family planning, and harmful social norms.
Welye said that they would equip participants to step down the knowledge to young people.
”The training is designed to build awareness rather than turn participants into experts.
”t’s not to turn you into an expert; it’s a training rooted in awareness building.
“The two major objectives are to raise awareness about gender-based violence, family planning and social norms, and to determine the impact of these practices in our societies and what we can do about them,” he said.
He highlighted United Nations Population Fund’s three main pillars of support as ensuring no woman dies giving birth, ensuring no pregnancy is unwanted through appropriate family planning, and enabling every youth to achieve their potential.
“We are very proud to be part of this programme and to partner with the centre because we believe that social knowledge is the bedrock for the foundation of our society growing up at large,” Welye said.
Mr Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, described the workshop as “well thought of and timely.”
The minister represented by Ms Patricia Echimina, Youth Development officer explained that it would equip the centre staff with the right knowledge to step down to young people under their training.
Olawande said that dwith the approval of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, the ministry had created the Youth Health, Mental and Psychosocial Affairs Department to prioritise the health and well-being of Nigerian youth.
Also, Mrs Rinsola Abiola, Director General of the centre expressed appreciation to the United Nations Population Fund for its support, reaffirming the centre’s commitment to raising responsible citizens and leaders who embody integrity and empathy.
”Issues such as gender-based violence and harmful practices like Female Genital Mutilation directly undermine the dignity, well-being, and potential of our citizens, particularly women and girls.
”Addressing them is therefore a legal and health imperative and a moral and leadership responsibility.” she said.
According to her, the workshop is expected to empower officers of the centre to step down the training to young people, while also strengthening policy and programme interventions that safeguard the rights and dignity of Nigerian citizens.
Centre trains staff on gender-based violence, female genital mutilation
