By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) promotion among School Girls in Bauchi State was on the front burner of discussions among key stakeholders drawn from wide segments of the communities.
A Bauchi based Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), Aid Connect for Development (AIDCODE), in collaboration with PLAN International provided the platform for the SRHR discussion at a One Day intensive seminar organised by the duo, with funding from the Canadian Government through Global Affairs Canada.
In an opening remarks during the seminar held at Development Exchange Center (DEC) Conference Hall Bauchi on Wednesday 25th, September 2024, 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 observed that 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, “to overcome these challenges, governments must implement supportive policies and ensure adequate funding, while teachers need comprehensive training. On the other hand, 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 alao require sustainable funding and support, and health personnel need integration with schools for effective engagement”.
While engaging the stakeholders in a highly participatory sessions, program officer of AIDCODE, Bishams Linus itemized the roles of stakeholders in the promotion of SRHR education in Bauchi State.
At the end of the seminar, with the facilitation skills of the program officer, the stakeholders developed an actionable advocacy plan that will focus on fast-tracking the domestication of the State policy on SRHR, Improved budget releases for SRHR programs and activities, and teacher training on SRHR education.
Our Correspondent reports that the one day seminar attracted active participation of stakeholders drawn from the State MDAs, CSOs, FBO, CBOs, Religious/Community leaders and the Media.
The seminar is under the ASPIRE Advocacy Project by PLAN International which focuses on improved responsiveness of Local Stakeholders to provide evidence-based , integrated, accountable and equitable policies, legal frameworks, SRHR and protection services.