Community dialogues and engagements to end FGM and Forms of SGBV

Here are some pictures from community dialogues and sensitization projects in various rural communities across south west Nigeria

Media Campaigns to end FGM and forms of SGBV– Amplifying information and efforts with local and mainstream media.

We cannot underestimate the power of the media in our efforts to promote reproductive rights education and advocacy to end Female Genital Mutilation and forms of sexual and gender based violence. We have appeared on more than 20 local and mainstream TV and radio stations, produced informative jingles in English and Yoruba languages.

She Must Know Project– sensitization and empowerment project for students of reproductive age;

The #SheMustKnow project is designed to contribute to the global goals of ending period poverty and Female Genital Mutilation-FGM by 2030 and also the realization of Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 5. Born out of a need to reduce the prevalence of child marriage, unplanned pregnancies, harmful traditional practices and sexual health misinformation. The Project teaching guide/ curriculum covers topics ranging from Human Anatomy & Rights, Puberty, Menstral Hygiene, relationship with opposite sex, Early Marriage various forms of SGBV prevention and response because we believe if she doesn’t know or have access to these information, she cannot decide. This project is also designed to debunk age-long myths enabling harmful practices. We need girls to understand that Female Genital Mutilation-FGM, Early Marriage are born out of gender inequality, poverty and misconceptions and such practices should not be condoned. Every girl at some point will have to make decisions concerning her reproductive health be it to get married, make babies or do whatever, we believe it is crucial to equip girls with knowledge that will help them make informed decisions at that time.

IGRHD  has recorded immeasurable impact in her efforts to engage young people in ending harmful practices. We have carried out media campaigns on radio and television, Community dialogues, booster trainings for young facilitators, Stakeholders meetings and various forms of online and onsite developmental projects across South West Nigeria.  This project was initially launched in 2019 but was paused because of the pandemic in 2020. In February 2021 we relaunched after recording a skyrocketing prevalence of unplanned pregnancies and forms of SGBV in these communities due to the lock down.

Educate Don’t Mutilate Scholarships– Considering the poverty rates in rural and marginalized communities with high prevalence of SGBV, this is a financial support scheme to enroll and keep girls in school so they are not left behind from being a part of our school sensitization project. Girls are asked to drop out of school when they have unplanned pregnancy but if girls have access to quality education they will make better life choices.

IGRHD young leaders and community frontline organization training academy– This is a training for intending activists and smaller organizations in rural communities on how to go about campaigns, access funding, respond to SGBV cases and generally strengthen their capacities. It is important that passionate individuals  and small groups are equipped with necessary knowledge to run.