Through years of working on projects at the community level, we realize that women and girls are hugely disadvantaged. They have often been marginalized and segregated to the background on so many fronts in society. Especially politically and economically. We also observe that this marginalization has created a false consciousness in most women.
Women are now satisfied with the status quo of swallowing their thoughts and ideas when it is clear that their input will make the difference. One of the primary reasons for marginalization is the inequality between men and women in accessing and controlling resources. But even more shocking is that in many communities, women don’t even have control over reproduction.
The goal is to create an equal society where men and women can speak, and their voices matter. To see a world where women, youth, and children can develop in a politically and socioeconomically correct environment. Where gender equality is prioritized, and women have complete control over their resources and time.
And as such South Saharan Social Development Organization, SSDO, in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, seeks to foster women’s empowerment through peer education. This initiative aims to advocate for women’s rights and bridge women’s capacity deficiency at the community level. As well as meet the political, social, and economic needs of women.
Peer Education Program
A peer education program is a scheme that involves people being taught by facilitators of similar backgrounds. This way, the message is easily absorbed, and the facilitator can communicate clearly on the same wavelength as the participant.
The program was facilitated by Osamudiamen Owens-Akinwale, Advisor Local Rights Programme, ActionAid Nigeria. The training was executed using the Women Peer Education Resource Kit. It covered essential areas such as personal development, health, livelihood and survival, and inclusion. The women were taught the importance of body image, self-esteem, time management, hygiene, skill acquisition, and the dangers of gender-based violence.
The women’s peer education program was organized in Isiama Community, Oduma Achara, Aninri LGA, Enugu state. The intention is for the training to be cascaded down to other women in the community through the trained representatives.
Correcting Wrong Notions
“I learned about how to care for the elderly and the importance of child spacing. I also learned that we have the right to stand and contest for election.” – Obodo Victoria.
Women were better informed of their rights and responsibilities after the training. They were taught valuable life and soft skills to help them be more efficient in their homes and businesses.
“Before, we believed that if a woman is not circumcised, she would be very promiscuous. I also didn’t see the need for a woman to undergo a cesarean section. But now, I know that female genital mutilation is dangerous to the sexual health of a woman. And that if a woman has labor difficulties that last too long without help, it can be really dangerous.” A woman from Isiama Community.
Importantly, we see that beyond the women learning about their rights, wrong notions which have been held on to for a long time were corrected. Now, the women have the right foundation to build on and groom young girls.
