…Presents SRHR Service and Referral Directory
By Kelvin Obambon
Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI) Calabar Center, has appraised the level of implementation of WeLead Project in Cross River State in the last eleven months, to see how it can improve on its performance thus far.
At a one-day review meeting with key stakeholders in Calabar on Tuesday, Mrs Ndodeye Obongha, Head of Programmes, GPI Calabar Center, said that the implementation of WeLead Project in the state began some months ago with support from HIVOS.
According to her, WeLead is a new, inspiring and innovative programme that aims to improve the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of young women.
“It focuses on four specific groups of young women – those living with HIV, those with disabilities, those who have diverse sexual orientation, and those affected by displacement. The programme puts these young women as rights holders in the driver’s seat while supporting them to make sustainable changes for their SRHR,” she said.
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Speaking further, Ndodeye said in the last eleven months, several activities targeting different stakeholders had been carried out as part of the project, adding that in evaluating the WeLead project, GPI had to meet with key stakeholders who in one way or the other either through trainings or awareness raising, have benefitted from the project.
“Participants would be expected to share experiences on the impact of the project on them and their ability to provide services. Also there will be dissemination of SRHR service directory for the state. The service directory includes centers providing SRHR services that could be accessed by RHs and other members of the public in cases of gender based violence, STIs treatment, contraceptive access, cancer and self-examination,” she said.
Meanwhile, stakeholders who shared their experiences on the implementation of WeLead Project in the state so far, commended GPI for its commitment towards ensuring that the programme achieve its set goals, even as they maintained that there were areas that needed to be improved upon going forward.
In attendance at the meeting were representatives from the Human Rights Commission, the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the ministry of health, National Orientation Agency, Civil Society Organizations, traditional and religious institutions, the media, among others.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of the SRHR Service and Referral Directory in the state.
