GBV: Niger tasks social media influencers to dispel misconceptions
Daniel Atori Minna
The Niger state government has assigned social media influencers to dispel various misconceptions about Gender-Based Violence (GBV) among 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, from the Ministry of Health, Niger State, urged the influencers to ensure they use their platforms to combat the issue.
She stated at the event organized 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 social media platforms.”
In his remarks, Project Director Mr. Olasukanmi Kalejaiye said the role of influencers would strengthen efforts to debunk 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 influencers to take advantage of their powerful influence in shaping opinions and leading the campaign against GBV.
