- +234 811 113 4960
- +2349063543182
- info@chesids.org
- 9 Lantang Close. Area 3. Garki. Abuja. FCT. Nigeria.
To commemorate the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child, CHESIDS, in collaboration with WOHEPI, awarded scholarships to 15 deserving girls in Gwer East Local Government Area, Benue State. These scholarships covered the registration fees for their secondary school certificate examinations and provided essential educational materials, transportation allowances, and mentorship opportunities. By ensuring access to continued education, this initiative empowers these young women to pursue their academic goals and fosters a culture of learning and aspiration in underserved communities. This investment represents a vital step toward gender equality and the empowerment of future female leaders.
In 2021, to kickstart the 16 days of activism, a robust Gender-Based Violence taskforce was successfully launched in 10 schools across Benue State, comprising educators, community leaders, and local government representatives. This task force collaborates closely with government agencies to develop and implement comprehensive child protection policies and awareness programs. By conducting training workshops and awareness campaigns, the initiative has been instrumental in safeguarding over 5,000 children from various forms of abuse and exploitation, both in school and within their communities. The task force also works to create safe reporting mechanisms and support systems for affected children.
Led and facilitated 15 peer-to-peer mentoring sessions focused on preventing gender-based violence, engaging 72 adolescents (36 females and 36 males). These sessions equipped participants with essential knowledge and skills to identify, confront, and report abuse. The initiative included hands-on referral and reporting pathways training, enabling adolescents to advocate for their peers. By fostering resilience, leadership, and community support among young people, the program created a network of informed adolescents and young people who can effectively challenge and prevent instances of GBV in their communities.
Conducted 20 impactful knowledge-sharing sessions on menstrual hygiene management, reaching over 3,000 boys and girls in Abuja and Benue State. These sessions aimed to break the stigma surrounding menstrual health, promote healthy practices, and foster open discussions among adolescents. Participants engaged in interactive activities, including demonstrations on hygiene practices and discussions on menstruation's biological and emotional aspects. Feedback from participants indicated a significant increase in awareness and understanding, contributing to more supportive attitudes toward menstruation in schools and communities.
In 2022, CHESIDS and WOHEPI organised five town hall meetings in Benue State, engaging over 500 community members to discuss the importance of education for sustainable development. These forums provided a platform for community leaders, parents, and educators to collaborate and explore strategies for improving educational outcomes, particularly for girls. Topics discussed included the barriers to education, the importance of community involvement, and the role of local governance in supporting educational initiatives. The meetings fostered a sense of community ownership and commitment to academic advancement.
As part of The Next Hundred initiative, CHESIDS ensured that 25 girls in Benue State received the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer. The vaccination drive included educational sessions about HPV and its prevention, emphasising the importance of vaccination in safeguarding long-term health. This proactive health intervention reflects CHESIDS' commitment to improving the health and well-being of young girls in the region, empowering them to lead healthy lives and reducing the incidence of HPV-related diseases in the community.
