World Population Day, 2023: A More Secure World Through Population and Family Planning
On July 12, 2023, the Kids & Teens Resource Centre, as a member of the Network of Peace and Security in West Africa Region (NOPSWECO), commemorated World Population Day at the Kabiyesi Palace, Ilekun community. With the theme “A More Secure World, The Role of Population and Family Planning in Peace and Security”. Members of the community gathered to celebrate and learn more about how population growth and family planning choices are integral to global peace and security.
Mrs. Adaramola, during her introduction speech, explained the significance of World Population Day to families and the world at large. She further explained how family planning choices play a critical role in maintaining peace and security within a community. By ensuring the mutual understanding between couples to plan their family, families can reduce financial and emotional stress. This also, improves maternal and paternal health, increases child welfare, and more significantly, create a more secure world for us all.
Mr. Adedotun Isreal, a Social Behavior Change Communicator Officer from Marie Stopes Organization of Nigeria, facilitated a session on family planning. During his talk, he explained the many benefits of family planning and why it is necessary for individuals and families. He used a typical average family to illustrate the money earned by the parents and the expenditure incurred. He used expenses from feeding, payment of fees, clothing, transportation, among others, to help explain why family planning is important.
With examples and illustrations, he went on to explain the various methods of family planning. Some of these methods include the use of injectables, pills, long-acting reversible contraceptives, permanent contraceptives and condoms. Participants were given opportunities to ask questions and express their viewpoints on how family planning can enhance their lives. During the feedback session, the participants expressed their happiness. They also requested for more training on family planning, saying that, the program had positively impacted their lives.
The event was indeed a success. 25 persons; 14 males and 11 females, were empowered with proper information on Family planning. It demonstrated that community involvement and empowerment can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of families. This World Population Day marked a significant change in the way we can all contribute to create a more secure world. A world with peace and security in our homes, communities, and around the world.