Building Skills for Sexual and Reproductive Health: HACEY’s 2-Day Workshop
On August 19-20, 2024, HACEY organized a transformative 2-day building workshop for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) under the SRHR Impact Plus Project. The workshop aimed to enhance skills, assess capacity, increase knowledge, foster partnerships, and improve networking among participants. The key concept, “No SRHR Without Edu-tain,” highlighted the importance of combining education with entertainment to effectively communicate Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information.
Overview of Adolescent Reproductive Health in Nigeria
Martin-Mary Falana led the workshop, engaging the audience on their understanding of SRHR. He shared personal stories that underscored the risks of misinformation and peer pressure, which often lead to unsafe sexual practices. Also, he emphasized the need for early intervention, targeting adolescents aged 10-19, and discussed the challenges they face, including unplanned pregnancies, STIs, and sexual violence.
He gave key insights on the following:
– Adolescence is a critical transition period.
– Erosion of values in modern society affects parental concern about unacceptable behaviors.
– Comprehensive sexuality education is essential but often resisted in schools due to cultural beliefs.
Participants engaged in group discussions on various SRHR topics such as Factors Responsible for SRHR Issues & Solutions, Parental Roles in Addressing SRHR Issues, Media’s Role in Curbing STIs, Government’s Role in Addressing SRHR Issues, etc. leading to insightful presentations
Participants learned some life building skills on sexual and reproductive Health which would give them the courage to face the society. These skills which includes refusal skills, decision-making, goal setting, and building self-esteem.
The workshop also featured interactive sessions where participants raised questions, leading to meaningful discussions on important topics:
– Replicating SRHR Events: Martin-Mary encouraged the introduction of similar events in other communities to spread awareness.
– Marital Rape: He confirmed that forcing a spouse to have sex against their will constitutes rape, emphasizing the need for gender equity.
– *Transactional Sex: The risks of exchanging sex for grades or financial support were discussed, highlighting potential exposure to STIs.
– *Gender Equity: Martin-Mary urged men to support their partners’ personal and professional growth.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment to enhancing SRHR knowledge and practices. This is because equipping participants will make them have significant impact in their communities. By fostering collaboration and education, HACEY is paving the way for a healthier future for adolescents in Nigeria.