The Community Awareness and Development Initiative, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund, has trained 87 district heads in Sokoto State on addressing harmful social norms.

The traditional leaders were selected from across the state to strengthen their capacity to promote public health and combat gender-based violence.

Speaking at the ceremony on Tuesday in Sokoto, CADI’s board of trustees chairman, Sani Umar-Jabbi, said the participants were chosen for their influence and standing in their communities. He explained that the initiative aims to break down social norms that limit access to sexual and reproductive health and GBV services.

Mr Umar-Jabbi described these norms as major barriers to service uptake and urged the traditional leaders to take the training seriously. He added that future selections for similar programmes would be based on participants’ track records in championing the cause.

In his presentation, Bello Kilgori highlighted key barriers to accessing SRH and GBV services, including stigma, misinformation, gender inequality, and limited service availability.

He also stressed the role of policy, culture, and religion in shaping access.

Musa Galadanci focused on the role of traditional and religious leaders in driving positive behavioral change.

“Their influence in shaping public opinion and behavior cannot be overstated. They must take this responsibility seriously for the development of their communities,” he said.

Jabbi Kilgori, the district head of Kilgori and member of the Sultanate Council, outlined practical approaches for tracking service delivery, reporting gaps, and ensuring responsiveness to improve access to SRH and GBV services.

UNFPA representative, Benedit Essong described traditional and religious leaders as key stakeholders in shaping public attitudes toward SRH and GBV.

Mr Essong reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to continue working with CADI and the Sokoto government to advance public health.

(NAN)