CAGEAD holds talks on SRHR and CSE around the fireside in Njinikom, Fundong and Tinifoinmbi

  

Fireside dialogues provide a platform for sharing stories and ideas, exchanging knowledge, and promoting understanding within the community. CAGEAD, along with stakeholders, parents, guardians, young boys, adolescent girls, young women, and members of the Muslim community, gathered around the symbolic fireside to address important issues related to SRHR and CSE.

The session, attended by over 45 participants, focused on various topics, including the biology of menstruation, healthy relationships, sexual violence, domestic violence, gender-based violence (GBV), HIV/AIDS, and sexual and reproductive health rights. The objective was to break the silence and stigma surrounding these critical topics.

By creating an open and safe environment, the fireside dialogue empowered young women with valuable knowledge while encouraging parents, especially Muslim parents, to educate their daughters and young girls about menstrual hygiene management, effective communication, and promoting healthy relationships.

 

One of the parent, Bakari Tanimu, shared personal experiences regarding menstruation, stating, “I used to see menstruation as a women's issue, and it should be treated as such.  But now, I am committed to educating my daughters at home and other young girls in the community about menstruation.” This commitment is expected to improve health outcomes in the community.

The collaborative nature of these dialogues highlighted the importance of unity in addressing health-related challenges, signifying how informed conversations can lead to more supportive and effective approaches to reproductive health rights and education. Most parents, especially Muslim fathers, expressed their willingness to take on their responsibilities as they previously thought it was solely that of the women, to buy sanitary pads for their daughters, educate them on menstrual hygiene management best practices, and provide the necessary privacy for their children. This will promote healthy relationships and effective communication within families in the community.

 

 

 By Chia Fastinus Kam