From: Bashir Hassan
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) working in the health sector and other stakeholders have resolved to carry out an all-encompassing advocacy campaign to fastrack the domestication of policy on sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) in the Bauchi State education curricula.
This was one of the major outcomes of a One Day seminar organised by a Bauchi based Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), Aid Connect for Development (AIDCODE), in collaboration with PLAN International, under the ASPIRE Advocacy Project.
The seminar, which was held on Wednesday 25th September 2024, at the conference hall of Development Exchange Center (DEC) Bauchi, was funded by the Global Affairs Canada.
Other commitments made by the stakeholders were to advocate for Improved budget releases for SRHR programs and activities, and teacher training on SRHR education.
Earlier in a keynote address, shortly before the commencement of the seminar, the Executive Director (ED) of AIDCODE, Abigail Hardo welcome stakeholders and informed them that the main objective of the seminar is to promote a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR ) education in schools curricula in Bauchi State.
Hardo said that the move to integrate SRHR education in schools curricula comes with a lot of challenges for stakeholders that are involved in promoting that vital component of public health.
The ED identified some of the challenges that includes: absence of state policy on SRHR on the part of government, lack of teachers' skills/adequate knowledge and confidence to impact SRHR education to students due to societal pressures or personal discomfort. Other challenges, according to Hardo, could be seen in parent's opposition to SRHR education due to religious and cultural concerns.
The ED further identify community leaders' apprehension in viewing SRHR education as a threat to cultural norms and values.
While stressing that the challenges associated with SRHR are not insurmountable, Abigail Hardo said that , "to overcome these challenges, governments must implement supportive policies and ensure adequate funding, while teachers need comprehensive training. Parents should be engaged through awareness campaigns, and community leaders and religious institutions needs to be involved in dialogue to find common ground. CSOs and NGOs require sustainable funding and support, and health personnel need integration with schools for effective engagement".
Participants adjudged the seminar successful, describing it as participatory and highly engaging.
Our Correspondent reports that the one day seminar attracted active participation of stakeholders drawn from the State MDAs, CSOs, FBOs, CBOs, Religious/Community leaders and the Media.
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