From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
Dr. Elvis Evborein, a Reproductive Health Analyst at the UNFPA office in Kaduna, emphasized the urgent need to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
He made these remarks during a two-day training workshop organized by the International Society of Media and Public Health (ISMPH) and funded by UNFPA.
The workshop is part of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign and features a packed schedule of activities.
Among these was a road walk, where stakeholders marched to the Government House to demonstrate solidarity with women and girls.
Dr. Evborein reiterated that UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, serves as the lead agency for sexual and reproductive development and rights. The agency supports states in three transformative areas: ending maternal deaths, stopping domestic violence, and promoting family planning while addressing harmful practices like female genital mutilation (FGM).
“UNFPA is at the forefront of the fight against GBV,” Dr. Evborein said, adding that this battle requires strong partnerships and stakeholders.
He praised the training for equipping journalists with the necessary tools for effective reporting on GBV. “Training journalists on GBV makes our fight against these violations more manageable in Kaduna State and beyond,” he noted, pointing out that perpetrators are often influential individuals who must be confronted by equally strong allies.
He announced that a UNFPA representative would visit Kaduna State the following day for a special event: a polo match at the Kaduna Polo Club, located at Murtala Mohammed Stadium, aimed at further demonstrating support for the anti-GBV cause.
The session also highlighted the importance of media involvement in addressing harmful practices, including FGM and other SRHR issues. Participants were encouraged to utilize their platforms to amplify the voices of survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.
On behalf of the Office of the Cabinet Officer (OIC), Dr. Evborein warmly welcomed all attendees and thanked them for their commitment to the cause.
The program then transitioned online to feature Mrs. Moji Makanjuola, MFR, Executive Director and CEO of ISMPH. In her address, Mrs. Makanjuola emphasized the significance of the capacity-building workshop, noting that accurate and sensitive reporting is crucial for changing attitudes and ending the stigma surrounding GBV.
She urged journalists to focus not only on survivors but also on perpetrators and encouraged active participation, questions, and sharing of experiences.
. Mrs. Makanjuola also stressed the importance of reporting in local languages to expand outreach. She expressed confidence that UNFPA’s interventions, combined with a solid foundation of knowledge, would lead to significant progress.
Following her remarks, applause welcomed Solomon Dogo, Program Director for ISMPH, who introduced himself to represent Mrs. Makanjuola. Mr. Dogo explained that the decision to train journalists over two days aligns with the 16 Days of Activism period and aims to increase awareness of GBV and SRHR issues.
He acknowledged that while ending GBV may not happen overnight, empowering journalists to report responsibly is a strategic step toward reducing the incidence of GBV.
When asked about the data informing the program, Mr. Dogo cited the Nigeria Health Demographic Survey as a source, although specific figures for Kaduna were not available at that moment
. He concluded by urging participants to apply their newly acquired skills to raise awareness, inform the public about where to report violations, and ultimately contribute to a safer, more just society.
