By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
In a renewed effort to further entrench Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) behaviour among communities, a Bauchi based Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Attah Sisters Helping Hand (ASHH) Foundation has sensitized 50 household heads in Dass Local Government Area, Bauchi State on SRHR for informed engagement with their adolescent girls.
The objective of the sensitization activity was foster open discussions, dismantle societal taboos, and ensure young girls have access to accurate information and essential support systems.
Speaking during the event a technical officer with the CSO Rita Anyim stressed that by engaging parents, ASHH Foundation is creating a more informed and supportive environment where adolescent girls can thrive to their full potentials in life.
The sensitization program, which was supported with funding from Global Affairs Canada, in partnership with Plan International's ASPIRE Project articulated some of the measures to adopt by both parents and adolescent girls in fostering safe space for open discussions centered on SRHR.
According to Anyim, open communication creates a safe space for children to share their thoughts, struggles, and values.
She said that providing guidance with clear rules on behavior, friendships, and responsibilities equally plays a vital role in achieving such safe spaces.
Other measures, according to the technical officer include: Leadership by example, awareness creation on financial status of family, and addressing cultural barriers.
The sensitization engagement also provided an avenue for ASHH Foundation team to share knowledge on the roles of adolescent girls in maintaining safe spaces for growth in the respective family circles.
Anyim enjoined the participants to ensure their children avoid peer influence , inculcate values of financial responsibility, and respect, discipline and to encourage empathy among their adolescent children.
In an interview with one of the participants, a father of two adolescent girls, Mallam Haruna Ibrahim said to our correspondent that the sensitization program has further strengthened his resolve to be engaging with his daughters on issues around sexual and reproductive health rights more openly.
"I have learnt from this sensitization that, if you don't teach your children the right thing at home, they could learn it wrongly outside. I am glad I attended the event", said Mallam Ibrahim.
Our Correspondent reports that the sensitization engagement was funded by Global Affairs Canada, in partnership with Plan International's ASPIRE Project.
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