NOVERMBER 2018 “STORIES OF ADVOCACY” ON ADVANCING THE SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEEDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN GWAGWALADA, FCT, NIGERIA


Women Deliver has continued to support the project of Advancing Sexual Reproductive Health needs of young people in Gwagwalada community of FCT. The goal of the project is to promote the sexual, reproductive health and rights of young people. The success achieved in the month under review was built from the previous month. CWIDI continue to utilize various social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter , WhatsApp and blogging ) to share Sexual Reproductive Health information and key messages; engage, stimulate conversation, and respond to health needs of members on WhatsApp. The WhatsApp platform provided an avenue for young people to express their fears. Majority of the group members saw it as a safe space to discuss some of their sexual & reproductive challenges, get guidance which eventually lead to behavioral change.  Also, the opportunity to recap some of the SRHR topics often especially when there are new members gave young boys and girls the privilege to refresh their knowledge, ask questions and share experiences. For example, the discussion between Ms Sandra and Ms Bridget on WhatsApp platform reads as follows.

Question MS Sandra Who newly joined the group. I noticed that after having sexual intercourse with my boyfriend as soon as I stood up the sperms drop off from my body, may be my boyfriend is having a low sperm count. 


Response:  I will encourage you to use condom correct and consistent during sexual intercourse to avoid unplanned pregnancy and not contact any sexual transmitted disease.  I will be happy to take you through negotiation skills if you are ready. 

Sandra : Yes, I am ready, please go ahead. Then the discussion flows
Furthermore, there was an increase in members of WhatsApp group from 220 to 250 ,  increase in the number of posts and conversations from 374 post to 420 posts  through the #YouthSexReprodHealth hashtag hence CWIDI was able to reach a wider audience with information on sexual reproductive health.  In the same vein also, through blogging some of SRHR issues with the following topics was discussed with the aim to educate the public on  the issues.  see below titles of the blog postings hyperlinked to the website ;
https://srhradvocacycwidi.blogspot.com/2018/11/sexual-reproductive-health-needs-of.html
Curtailing Domestic Violence in Nigeria
https://srhradvocacycwidi.blogspot.com/2018/11/curtailing-domestic-violence-in-nigeria.html
Life-changing women Empowerment
https://srhradvocacycwidi.blogspot.com/2018/11/curtailing-domestic-violence-in-nigeria_30.html

 Inclusion, CWIDI staff attended the monthly meeting of GBV Watch Dog committees in (Paiko,  Pako and  PasoGwani communities of Gwagwalada Area council.  The meeting provided CWIDI the opportunity to enlighten them on VAP Act, reinforces some of SRHR issues such as FP important, respond to their questions on SRHR, and encourage them to leave up to their pledge and ensure that no women or girl experienced violence in their community.  CWIDI trained peer educators using interpersonal communication, IEC material and reached out to people with STI/ HIV. Fliers on  messages on how to prevent unplanned pregnancy, messages on PMTC, messages on negotiation skills, life skills, family planning and messages on effects of gender based violence for behavioural change was distributed.  The weekly visit to hotels, bars, hot joints and football viewing centres was part of the integrated strategy to reach a wider audience; the developed SRHR IEC materials provided information on various SRHR issues mentioned. A total number of 16 married women between the age of 24 to 30 years, and 8 single young girls between the ages of 22-27 years received family planning services. 35 people (15 girls and 20 men) between the age of 14-30 years received various IEC materials with SRHR messages. While 10 young people undergo HIV testing of which non-was positive, In total 59 persons was reached in 8 visits.

Challenges

The new SRHR adolescent and youth friendly policies is not yet ready, hence the meeting scheduled for its review by stakeholders was postponed to January.
Also, during the visits to hot spots, majority of the clients especially young girls/boys refused us from taken their photos. To ensure proper means of verification, CWIDI staff ensure they signed the booklet indicating the type of information and service received. Also, two adolescents (15yrs met at the hotel who requested for Family planning service was asked to get a written consent from her parents.

Some of the discussions on the WhatsApp platform






 Meeting with members of Community WATCHDOG Against GBV PAKIO community
 Meeting with members of Community WATCHDOG Against GBV PAKIO community
Bridget with Chief of PAKIO community

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