CIWED GH Holds Youth-Focused Durbar on Positive Gender Norms, Roles, and Responsibilities related to SRMNCAH+N

CIWED GH Holds Youth-Focused Durbar on Positive Gender Norms, Roles, and Responsibilities related to SRMNCAH+N

Posted on by Alhassan Baako

On the 26th February, 2024, at Zoagu, a community in Nanton District, CIWED GH held a durbar of youth, and women to educate and empower them on positive gender norms, roles, and responsibilities concerning their Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health and Nutrition (SRMNCAH+N). The durbar was organised in collaboration with the district directorate of the Ghana Health Service. Facilitating the sessions on positive gender norms, the research fellow of CIWED Ghana Mr. Issah Aminu Danaa put more emphases on equality, respect, and empowerment. He also tailored his discussions on the need to stop harmful stereotypes and promote healthy behaviors related to SRMNCAH+N especially SRHR related issues. The engagement witnessed encouraging and active participation, where youth shared experiences and perspectives on gender dynamics in their communities. They shared their view that, role-playing fostered understanding of respectful communication, consent, and shared decision-making.  The representative of the community health facility in Zoau, also made oral presentation touching on family planning, maternal health, and gender-based violence prevention. Participants were equipped with practical resources to promote informed decision-making and healthy practices. During an open forum session, participants were encouraged dialogue between youth, community leaders, and health experts to address concerns and identify solutions. Stakeholders collaborated to devise strategies for promoting positive gender norms and advancing SRMNCAH+N outcomes.

The event increased awareness and understanding among over 200 youth regarding positive gender norms and their relevance to SRMNCAH+N. They were also empowered to challenge stereotypes and advocate for gender equality within their communities. The community were also strengthened towards improving SRMNCAH+N outcomes. Knowledge and capacity was enhanced among youth to make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health.

In conclusion, the youth-focused durbar organized by CIWED GH served as a pivotal platform for promoting positive gender norms and empowering youth to champion SRMNCAH+N in Nanton Districts. By fostering dialogue, collaboration, and education, the event contributed to building a more equitable and healthy future for communities.

CIWED GH HOLD REGIONAL LEVEL CAPACITY LEARNING AND SHARING SESSION ON THE USE OF NET-MAPPING AS A SOCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY TOOL TARGETING CSOs

Posted on by Alhassan Baako

CIWED GHANA on the 23rd January, 2024 organized and hosted regional-level capacity learning and sharing sessions aimed at empowering Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with the capacity to use Net Mapping as a social accountability tool. The initiative was also designed to enhance the capabilities of CSOs in leveraging this innovative method for better community engagement and advocacy. As part of our PAI project activities, a regional level capacity learning and sharing session brought together over fifty (50) participants from Ghana Health Service, District Assemblies, Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, Youth Leaders, Community Leaders, Media and Sister CSOs in the two implementing districts. The stakeholders expressed their sincere gratitude for the work CIWED is doing and made commitments to support the utilization of the tool when develop.

Explaining to participants, gender equality and social inclusion manager of CIWED-GHANA Miss Bashiru Mardia in her presentation mention indicated that, the primary goal of the sessions was to equip CSOs with the knowledge and skills necessary to utilize Net Mapping as a strategic social accountability tool. Net Mapping, a visual representation of relationships and connections, provides a unique approach for CSOs to analyze power dynamics, identify stakeholders, and map community assets and challenges. Participants were introduced to the core principles and techniques of Net Mapping, emphasizing its applicability in social accountability initiatives.

The sessions served as a platform for CSOs to establish connections, fostering potential collaborationsand partnerships for future initiatives. Some partners called for documentation of the net-mapping procedures to further engagements. Fortunately this is part of the activities of the PAI funded initiative.  

The regional capacity learning and sharing sessions on Net Mapping represent a significant milestone in CIWED GHANA’s commitment to empowering CSOs. The organization remains dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, recognizing the transformative potential of innovative tools like Net Mapping in advancing social accountability efforts across the region.