By Daniel Atori Minna
Niger state government has tasked social media influencers to unmask various misconceptions on Gender Based Violence (GBV) amongst adolescents across the state.
In her remarks at a One Day Training on Strengthening Community Engagement in GBV Prevention and Adolescent Programs in Minna, the state Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health Program coordinator, Fatima Ahmed, Ministry of Health, Niger state charged the influencers to ensure they use their platforms to prevent the menace.
She said at the event organised by the Global Promoters for Community Initiative (GPCI) in collaboration with the Adolescents Department, Niger State Primary Health Care Agency that
According to her “the goal of the training is to strengthen community active participation in prevention of GBV to enhance skills for community engagement and mobilization.
“We want social media influencers to develop strategies for promoting positive social change through the social media platforms.”
In his remarks, Project Director, Mr. Olasukanmi Kalejaiye said, the role of the influencers would consolidate insights on debunking Gender-Based Violence (GBV) misconceptions.
Accordingly, he said “GBV is a pervasive issue shrouded in myths that perpetuate silence. And addressing it requires dismantling several misconceptions; the role of social media influencers will help drive social change”.
Furthermore, he urged the influencers take advantage of their powerful force in shaping opinions and driving the campaign against GBV.