NCCE Intensifies Community Engagement on Adolescent Health and GBV Prevention

The Northeast Regional Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has intensified community engagements with identifiable groups as part of the Adolescent Girls’ Program (AGP), funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The engagement forms part of the Commission’s third-quarter activities aimed at strengthening community awareness and empowering adolescents and community members to promote adolescent reproductive health, gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV).

As part of the exercise, the Regional Office engaged identifiable groups in Gambaga, Bongbini, Gbangu, Bowku, Nabgoo and Sakogu. The groups included hairdressers, tailors, market women, members of faith-based organizations and Arabic students.

The engagements focused on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights (ASRHR), the prevention and reporting of GBV, gender equality and access to youth-friendly health services. Participants were encouraged to challenge harmful social norms, speak out against abuse and support efforts to create safe and supportive environments for adolescents.

The Regional Office emphasized that protecting the rights, safety and well-being of adolescents is a shared responsibility that requires the active involvement of families, community members and other stakeholders.

The engagements also provided a platform for participants to openly discuss challenges affecting adolescent girls and identify practical ways of promoting positive behavioral change within their communities.

The NCCE reaffirmed its commitment to using civic engagement as a tool to promote informed decision-making, gender equality, and the prevention of GBV, while empowering communities to contribute to the health, safety, and well-being of adolescents.