CSOs,Media Devise New Communication  Strategies To Promote Girl-Child Education In Ekiti 

Sola POPOOLA
Media and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have renewed commitment to promoting Girl-Child Education  in Ekiti State
This was the focus of the Media Roundtable On Girl-child Education organised by a non-governmental organisation ,Balm in Gilead foundation for Sustainable development (BIGIF) .
The programme had in attendance, representatives of Print, Electronic(Broadcast) as well as Social Media .
BIGIF is  the consultant commissioned by the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment AGILE Ekiti State with the support of the World Bank.
The discussion  focused  on factors affecting girl child education in Ekiti State, Nigeria and identifying the current norms and cultural practices affecting adolescent girls’ education in Ekiti and developing a communication strategy to address social and cultural norms inimical to girl child education.
The participants underscored the need for creating  and increasing awareness on the subject by enlisting relevant stakeholders in the advocacy.
The forum also urged critical stakeholders, particularly government to do more in making learning environment conducive and secured for girl-child education in the State.
The media participants promised to prioritise gender sensitive reporting by exposing all tendencies of violence and harassment against girl-child .
It also reviewed the menace violence and other forms of harassment against girl-child.
In her remarks ,the  representative of the Project Coordinator of AGILE, Mrs Modupe Ajayi said the focus of AGILE is to ensure the enrolment of adolescents girls in schools in the state and also developing life skills that will help them to navigate adulthood.
Highlights of the event included  interactive and break-out sessions with the aim of addressing the behavioural problems, among other factors that hindered  girl-child education in the state.
Earlier in her address of welcome ,Ms. Oluwatumininu Adedeji
Executive Director,BIGIF said the organisation  was aware of the enormous influence of the media on the society in shaping and molding opinions.
She stated that “we know that the media controls the society and is capable of changing human behavior, living style and morals thoughts through positive messaging.
“The research is aimed at identifying the current norms and cultural practices affecting adolescent girls’ education in Ekiti and developing a communication strategy to address social and cultural norms inimical to girl child education.
” As we strive towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we have to prioritize education and facilitating access to inclusive and equitable education for girls can no longer wait. Every girl deserves a quality education that empowers her to realize her full potential. An educated girl is the beginning of a better community.
“I encourage you all to engage actively in the discussions and share your experiences,perspectives, and recommendations. Your contributions will be critical in shaping the direction of this research project and informing policies and interventions that will improve the lives of our girls in Ekiti state.
“As I conclude, the socio-economic factors and cultural norms affecting girl child education in Nigeria are complex and intertwined. Addressing these factors requires a multi-faceted approach that involves addressing poverty, promoting gender equality, and changing cultural beliefs and practices that limit the opportunities available to girls.
“Coordinated and strategic communication is one way to achieve this. And that is why we are gathered here today.” Adedeji said .

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