Religious Leaders in Dass LG Sensitised on SRHR
By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
In a bid to enhance awareness on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) amongst young women and adolescents girls of reproductive age, a Bauchi-based NGO, ASHH Foundation, recently conducted a sensitisation exercise for 25 religious leaders across 5 communities in Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The sensitisation activity was aimed at educating religious leaders on the importance of SRHR, particularly for young women and adolescent girls, with a view to encouraging them to integrate SRHR advocacy into their sermons and community activities.
During the sensitisation, the clerics pledged to recognise the significance of SRHR and commit to incorporating the knowledge gained into their religious teachings.
They also vowed to advocate for SRHR education among the youth, promote positive change within their communities, and support awareness initiatives aimed at increasing understanding of vital issues associated with SRHR.
The religious leaders further emphasised the important role parents play in providing SRHR education to their children on the home front, stressing that places of worship can serve as key platforms for disseminating information that could strengthen what the parents started at home.
They also acknowledged the need to address sensitive topics in ways that resonate with their congregations while promoting the health and rights of the youth.
Speaking on the outcomes of the sensitisation exercise, Jamila Sule, Project Officer at ASHH Foundation, expressed her appreciation for the religious leaders’ commitment.
“We are particularly interested in how they plan to integrate SRHR into their sermons in line with religious teachings and ensuring sensitive topics are discussed in a manner that is accessible to their congregations.”.
“Their involvement will create a supportive environment where SRHR education can thrive, leading to better-informed decisions among young women and girls in our communities,” said Sule.
Our correspondent reports that the sensitisation engagement was carried out under PLAN International’s ASPIRE Project, which is being funded by Global Affairs Canada.
