The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has trained 2,100 adolescent girls in life skills and reproductive health across Bauchi State. The training, supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), was conducted in Bauchi, Dass, Darazo, and Ganjuwa Local Government Areas between August 19 and 26.
FOMWAN programme coordinator, Fatsuma Mohammad, said on Monday in Bauchi that the exercise was aimed at equipping young girls with vital knowledge and practical skills. According to her, “The exercise is designed to expose the girls to negotiation, decision-making, and information and communication skills on early marriage to enable them to make informed choices about their future.”
She explained that 20 training facilitators were engaged to conduct the sessions, which had 105 girls per cluster. The programme, she noted, would help strengthen advocacy against harmful traditional practices and empower girls to reach their full potential as future leaders.
“The topics focused on teenage pregnancy and the dangers of early marriage, often referred to as ‘children mothering children’,” she said.
Ms Mohammad added that FOMWAN has integrated life skills and reproductive health education for adolescent girls into its annual work plan to ensure sustainability and wider community impact, in collaboration with UNICEF and other stakeholders.
