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| Participants during a breakout Practical session |
Girls Power Initiative (GPI) is making significant strides in empowering young people and promoting media advocacy for vulnerable individuals. The organization recently initiated a training program to equip over 20 Organisations with strategic media advocacy skills.
The training which is held in Calabar from 11th to 13th July 2023 is focused on Civil Society Organizations, Media professionals, Health service providers, and Rights holders with the primary objective of enhancing participants’ knowledge and abilities in utilizing different media and communication tools effectively for advocacy, particularly regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) issues.
According to Ndodeye Bassey Obongha, Head of Program for GPI, the training is part of a Welead project in Calabar. She averred that the project represents a fresh, inspirational, and innovative approach to improving the SRHR of young women. It specifically targets four groups of young women: those living with HIV, those with disabilities, those with diverse sexual orientations, and those affected by displacement. By placing these young women as rights holders at the forefront, the program seeks to empower them and support their efforts in effecting sustainable changes for their SRHR.
Some of the participants who spoke with our reporter expressed gratitude for the invaluable knowledge and skills they acquired during the sessions. Stating that they are now better equipped to utilize various media tools to advocate for SRHR issues while contributing to public discourse, and shaping policies that prioritize the well-being and rights of vulnerable individuals.
Pictures from the event
GPI’s commitment to building the capacity of individuals and organizations in media advocacy is a crucial step toward amplifying the voices of vulnerable communities and addressing the challenges they face. By equipping these organisations with the skills needed to leverage media platforms effectively, GPI is enabling them to advocate for their rights, break barriers, and foster positive change within their communities.