By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in partnership with the Centre for the Study and Resolution of Domestic Violence (CERSDOV), has completed a three-day training designed to strengthen advocacy skills among women-led Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Gombe State.
The workshop addressed critical topics such as Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), child marriage, gender-based violence (GBV), and gender equality.
Hosted at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the program brought together representatives from various women-led NGOs dedicated to community engagement and support at the grassroots level.
Gombe State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Asma’u Iganus, praised CERSDOV for its impactful work. Represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Modidi Shelpidi, she also acknowledged UNFPA and the Norwegian Government for their support.
She emphasized that the Ministry remains committed to future collaborations, including programs aimed at addressing domestic violence, which affects both women and men.
The Commissioner commended the choice of Gombe for the program and encouraged the participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge within their communities and organizations.
Inher addressed the Director of the CERSDOV Prof Hauwa Evelyn Yusuf, represented by the Training facilitator Dr. Hussaini Momoh. Lawan highlighted the importance of tackling gender issues as a joint responsibility of both women and men. He urged the participants to utilize their advocacy skills to raise awareness and effect change. He also expressed appreciation to the Ministry for providing essential resources and a conducive environment for the training.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Hajiya Sa’adatu Ahmed from the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS) in Dukku Local Government, shared her gratitude for the training, noting that it was rich with valuable information.
She assured CERSDOV and its partners that they would share this knowledge, particularly on issues like girls’ education and preventing early marriage.
The training benefited 24 women from diverse groups across all 11 local government areas in Gombe State, empowering them to advocate effectively for gender rights and social change within their communities.