Gender

Human Rights and Access to Quality Healthcare for All

16DaysOfActivism, Community Development, Drug Abuse, Drugs, Gender, Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Health, Health Communication, Healthy Dieting, Mental Health, Monday Health Burst, Nation Building /

Access to quality healthcare is recognized globally as a fundamental human right. Yet, billions of people still cannot exercise this right. Recent WHO and UNICEF estimates, about 1.1 billion people received healthcare in facilities without basic water services, while 3.0 billion lacked access to sanitation services, creating unsafe environments for patients and health workers alike (1). Additionally, 1.7 billion individuals were cared for in facilities without proper hygiene standards, and about 2.8 billion lacked access to safe health-care waste management, exposing communities to preventable infections (1). Another WHO report highlights that nearly one billion people depend on facilities with unreliable or no electricity, making safe childbirth, emergency care, vaccine storage, and laboratory services extremely difficult (2). To address such challenges, CFHI, with support from Grand Challenges Nigeria, recently installed solar birth kits at Rumde PHCC in Adamawa and Gusau PHCC in Zamfara States. These kits provide reliable solar-powered lighting, enabling skilled birth attendants to conduct deliveries safely at night or during power outages, support emergency care, and ensure essential medical equipment can function consistently.

Such deficits represent clear violations of the right to health. Quality healthcare must be safe, clean, affordable, and accessible. Studies further show that poor healthcare access contributes to increased maternal mortality, preventable illnesses among children, late health-seeking behaviour, and financial hardship. Globally, millions face catastrophic out-of-pocket spending on healthcare, pushing vulnerable families into poverty each year (3). Universal Health Coverage frameworks emphasize equity; however, implementation remains slow in many developing countries, especially in rural and underserved communities where health investment is still low.

In Nigeria, although relevant health policies exist, many communities still lack the enabling environment to exercise their health rights, the government has the primary responsibility to provide healthcare services and maintain facilities, the reality is that many health centres remain dilapidated and under-resourced. This situation underscores the urgent need for authorities to prioritize investment in health infrastructure, provide functional equipment, and ensure every facility meets minimum standards to protect the lives of mothers, newborns, and communities. This is where organizations such as Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) contribute meaningfully to bridging the gap. CFHI works to expand equitable healthcare access by implementing interventions that support orphans and vulnerable children, adolescents, caregivers, and low-income households. The organization improves community knowledge on health rights, offers psychosocial support, conducts HIV counselling, testing, and referrals, and assists vulnerable families in navigating access to healthcare facilities (4).

Through capacity building for healthcare workers, stronger health facility linkage, and participatory learning sessions, CFHI promotes informed decision-making and encourages service utilization which are critical elements of health rights implementation. Ultimately, improved health outcomes must go beyond policy frameworks; communities must receive accessible services delivered in dignity, and families must be able to seek care without financial ruin.

Achieving true universal access requires investment in basic facility infrastructure, elimination of discriminatory practices, improved health financing, and strengthened accountability mechanisms. When communities are assured of safety, fairness, and affordability, healthcare becomes a right in practice not merely in principle.

References

  1. World Health Organization and UNICEF. Countries making unprecedented efforts but billions still lack basic services in health-care facilities. WHO website. Available at: https://www.who.int/news/item/24-09-2025-countries-making-unprecedented-efforts-but-billions-still-lack-basic-services-in-health-care-facilities—who-unicef-new-report-warns
  2. World Health Organization. Global progress report on universal access to WASH services in healthcare facilities. WHO website. Available at: https://www.who.int/news/item/24-09-2025-countries-making-unprecedented-efforts-but-billions-still-lack-basic-services-in-health-care-facilities—who-unicef-new-report-warns
  3. World Bank Group. Billions left behind on the path to universal health coverage. World Bank website. Available at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2023/09/18/billions-left-behind-on-the-path-to-universal-health-coverage
  4. Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI). Programme information and reports. CFHI website. Available at: https://www.cfhinitiative.org

 

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Limited Awareness and Education

16DaysOfActivism, Community Development, Cultural practices in Africa, Gender, Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Health, Health Communication /

Limited awareness and inadequate education remain one of the most persistent barriers to ending gender-based violence (GBV) in our communities. While conversations around rights, dignity, and safety have expanded globally, many people within local communities still lack basic knowledge of what constitutes GBV, how to recognize it, and how to seek help. GBV is often normalized through culture, silence, and misinformation, making harmful actions seem acceptable simply because “that is how it has always been done.” When people do not understand that verbal abuse, economic deprivation, physical harm, intimidation, and forced sexual relations are forms of violence, it becomes difficult to report, prevent, or advocate against them. Limited awareness means many survivors suffer silently, believing their experience is personal failure rather than an injustice.

Education goes beyond literacy; it includes exposure to accurate information, safe spaces for dialogue, and empowerment to act. In communities where cultural beliefs are deeply rooted, myths such as “a man owns his wife,” “discipline is love,” or “girls deserve blame for harassment” thrive due to the absence of counter-information. When adolescents do not receive early education about consent, bodily integrity, and respectful relationships, cycles of abuse continue from one generation to the next. Schools, households, and religious institutions hold influence, yet not all incorporate GBV-sensitive learning. Even government policies exist, but without grassroots awareness, they remain distant frameworks unknown to those who need them most.

Limited awareness also weakens community response systems. Many families do not know where to report cases, while some believe law enforcement processes are pointless. Survivors often fear stigma, shame, or retaliation, and without education, communities reinforce these fears. Knowledge is power but silence gives power to abusers. Increasing awareness has proven effective in correcting harmful norms, encouraging reporting, and improving support systems. Community-based education, particularly when delivered in local languages, builds collective accountability. When young boys understand respect and emotional responsibility, and girls recognize their worth, a foundation for prevention is strengthened.

At the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI), sustained advocacy has shown that when the right information reaches people, attitudes change. Over the past year, CFHI has facilitated community dialogues on GBV, implemented school-based sensitization on healthy relationships, and organized youth-led conversations addressing harmful norms both online and offline. During commemorative events including the 16 Days of Activism and International Women’s Day CFHI has raised awareness on digital violence, safe spaces, consent, reporting pathways, and survivor-centered responses. Activities like safe-spaces campaigns, mentorship sessions, and referral support for vulnerable groups have contributed to reducing silence around violence.

As we continue observing the 16 Days of Activism, one truth stands out clearly: ignorance sustains abuse. Every community member has a responsibility to learn, speak, and act. Parents must educate their children early; faith leaders must preach protection and dignity; schools must include GBV topics in their learning process; and local authorities must provide accessible reporting platforms. No change happens when people are uninformed, but transformation begins when knowledge shifts mindsets.

The call to action is simple yet urgent: let us learn, let us teach, and let us speak out. Ending GBV will not be achieved through laws alone; it requires awareness deep enough to shift beliefs and strong enough to build a culture that protects women, girls, and all vulnerable persons. Ending GBV begins with knowledge, and knowledge shared becomes change multiplied.

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Beyond Stigma: Community-Led Support for Women and Girls Living with HIV

16DaysOfActivism, Gender, Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Health, Health Communication, HIV/AIDS, Hygiene, Men, Mental Health, Speak Wednesday /

Stigma remains one of the greatest obstacles to ending HIV: globally, according to the latest UNAIDS estimates, about 40.8 million people were living with HIV as of the end of 2024, with women and girls accounting for approximately 53% of all infections [1]. Despite progress in expanding treatment access bringing lifesaving antiretroviral therapy to over 31 million people worldwide millions still face stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion, which continue to limit their ability to seek testing, care, and long-term support [1].

Evidence shows that stigma discourages people from testing, delays linkage to treatment, and undermines adherence; pooled analyses across African surveys and facility studies find that people who experience stigma are significantly less likely to know their status or remain engaged in care, which in turn reduces chances of viral suppression and worsens health outcomes [2,3]. The scientific consensus that “U=U” (Undetectable = Untransmittable) underscores why ending stigma is also a prevention strategy: people on effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load do not sexually transmit HIV [4]. Despite these advances, gaps remain UNAIDS reports that while millions are on treatment, about 31.6 million people were accessing ART in 2024, leaving a substantial number still unreached by life-saving services [1].

Community-led support is central to bridging those gaps for women and girls. Practical, evidence-based community interventions peer support groups, community health worker follow-up, safe disclosure spaces, integrated mental-health services, and targeted outreach to adolescents have been shown to increase testing uptake, improve retention on ART, and reduce internalized stigma [5,6]. In Nigeria and other countries, facility-level and community studies link stigma with lower adherence and higher loss to follow up, highlighting the need for local, culturally sensitive responses that engage families, faith leaders, youth networks, and women’s groups [3,7]. Gender-sensitive programming is particularly important: women and girls face intersectional stigma driven by gender norms, economic dependence, and the risk of gender-based violence barriers that require combined social protection, livelihood support, and confidential clinical services to overcome [5].

At the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI), community-led support is operationalized through sustained activities that go beyond one-day events. CFHI provides community HIV testing and counselling, adolescent-friendly education, psychosocial support, and peer navigation to link women and girls to care and keep them on treatment [8]. The organization integrates stigma-reduction messaging into gender-norms dialogues, trains community health volunteers in respectful care, and runs livelihood and empowerment sessions that reduce economic vulnerability an important factor that often forces women to remain in situations where disclosure is dangerous. CFHI’s community outreach also emphasizes U=U messaging to demystify treatment and encourage adherence and last year’s community testing and sensitization activities in Imo State reached hundreds with counselling and referrals, reinforcing the role of sustained local engagement in improving outcomes [8].

Ending HIV stigma requires action across sectors. Health facilities must adopt anti-discrimination policies and provide confidential, quality services; community leaders and faith institutions must publicly reject harmful narratives; schools and youth groups must deliver age-appropriate HIV education; and social protection programmes should prioritize women and girls so economic dependence does not block access to care. Donors and governments must sustain funding for community-led responses, which evidence shows are cost-effective and essential for reaching the UN targets to end AIDS as a public health threat [5,6].

Now is the time for communities to move from awareness to durable action. Support people living with HIV by learning and sharing accurate facts, joining, or starting peer support groups, encouraging friends and family to test, demanding respectful care at clinics, and supporting empowerment programmes that reduce vulnerability. CFHI and partners stand ready to work with communities, faith groups, schools, and health services to build safe, supportive environments where women and girls living with HIV can thrive. Together we can make stigma a thing of the past because when communities lead, lives change.

 

References

  1. Global HIV & AIDS statistics — Fact sheet. Geneva: Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS; 2025.
    Available from: https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/fact-sheet
  2. Doyle CM, Kuchukhidze S, Stannah J, Flores Anato JL, Xia Y, Logie CH, et al. The impact of HIV stigma and discrimination on HIV testing, antiretroviral treatment, and viral suppression in Africa: a pooled analysis of population-based surveys.
    Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391079137_The_Impact_of_HIV_Stigma_and_Discrimination_on_HIV_Testing_Antiretroviral_Treatment_and_Viral_Suppression_in_Africa_A_Pooled_Analysis_of_Population-Based_Surveys
  3. Mahlalela NB, et al. The association between HIV-related stigma and health-seeking behaviour, testing and adherence: a systematic review. J Public Health. 2024.
    Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10896802/
  4. UNAIDS / IAS / Prevention Access Campaign. Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) consensus and evidence. Geneva: UNAIDS; 2018–2024.
    Available from: https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2018/july/undetectable-untransmittable
  5. World Health Organization. Eliminating stigma and discrimination in HIV responses: evidence and interventions. Geneva: WHO; 2022.
    Available from: https://www.who.int/teams/global-hiv-hepatitis-and-stis-programmes/hiv/strategic-information/hiv-data-and-statistics
  6. Community-led monitoring / Community-led responses — evidence and good practice. Geneva: UNAIDS; 2023.
    Available from: https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/documents/2023/community-led-monitoring-in-action
  7. Okunola A, et al. The impact of stigma on ART adherence in Ondo State clinics: cross-sectional evidence. Int J Res Innov Social Sci. 2025.
    Available from: https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/articles/the-impact-of-stigma-and-discrimination-on-adherence-levels-in-hiv-positive-patients-evidence-from-ondo-state-clinics/
  8. Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI). Community HIV services, stigma reduction and outreach report. Owerri: CFHI; 2024–2025.
    Available from: https://www.cfhinitiative.org

 

 

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World AIDS Day

16DaysOfActivism, Gender, Health, Health Communication, HIV/AIDS, Hygiene, Monday Health Burst /

Today, December 1st, the world once again marks World AIDS Day, a global reminder of our shared responsibility to end HIV and support people living with it. This year’s theme, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” highlights the urgent need to rebuild stronger, more resilient, and equitable systems that ensure no one is left behind in HIV prevention and care [1]. Despite decades of progress, HIV continues to thrive where misinformation, stigma, poverty, and limited access to health services persist, especially among vulnerable groups such as adolescents, young women, and key populations [2].

Understanding how HIV spreads remains essential. The virus is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing contaminated needles, mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding, and rarely through unscreened blood transfusion [3]. It is important to emphasize that HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact, which means stigma rooted in misinformation must continue to be challenged [4]. Prevention remains powerful when individuals consistently use condoms, access regular HIV testing, utilize PrEP when at risk, avoid sharing needles, and ensure pregnant women living with HIV receive PMTCT services [5]. Effective treatment such as antiretroviral therapy suppresses viral load, making HIV untransmittable when undetectable (U=U), a breakthrough in global HIV care [6].

The Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) remains committed to strengthening the HIV response through coordinated community engagements that include HIV testing, counselling, prevention education, PMTCT support, stigma reduction activities, and linkage to care for individuals and families. Over the years, CFHI has collaborated with partners such as Excellence and Friends Management Care Centre (EFMC), the Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN), and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN). These partnerships have supported CFHI in reaching over 14,000 children and caregivers with essential HIV-related services. Currently, CFHI continues to work actively with IHVN alongside support from the FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS) to provide ongoing care, and treatment adherence services to about 6,000 children and their caregivers. Through its OVC programming, CFHI remains committed to improving long-term health, resilience, and stability for vulnerable families affected by HIV.

As Nigeria joins the global community in commemorating World AIDS Day 2025, it is essential for the government to strengthen its leadership in the national HIV response. This includes increasing investment in public health systems, ensuring consistent availability of testing kits and antiretroviral medications, expanding prevention programs such as PrEP and PMTCT, and improving data management for timely decision-making. Government action is also needed to address stigma through nationwide awareness campaigns, to support state-level implementation of HIV programs, and to create enabling environments where community organizations, healthcare workers, and development partners can scale interventions effectively. HIV is preventable and treatable, and with informed choices, prioritizing equitable access to services, sustaining political commitment, and collective action, Nigeria can accelerate progress toward ending AIDS as a public health threat.

Everyone is encouraged to take responsibility by getting tested, reducing risk, supporting those living with HIV, and rejecting stigma in every form.

 

References

  1. World Health Organization. World AIDS Day 2025 Theme: Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response. Geneva: WHO; 2025. https://www.who.int
  2. UNAIDS. Global HIV & AIDS Statistics — Fact Sheet 2025. Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS; 2025. https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/fact-sheet
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HIV Transmission Overview. Atlanta: CDC; 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/transmission.html
  4. UNAIDS. Confronting HIV Stigma and Discrimination. Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS; 2024. https://www.unaids.org/en/key-programmes/stigma-discrimination
  5. World Health Organization. HIV Prevention Guidelines. Geneva: WHO; 2024. https://www.who.int/health-topics/hiv
  6. UNAIDS. Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) Scientific Update. Geneva: UNAIDS; 2024. https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2024/u-u
  7. Centre for Family Health Initiative. Community HIV Services and OVC Support Report. Abuja: CFHI; 2024. https://www.cfhinitiative.org

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Economic Dependence and Poverty

16DaysOfActivism, Gender, Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Health, Health Communication, Men's Health /

Economic dependence and poverty are not just financial issues they are powerful forces that shape power dynamics, influence decision-making, and, far too often, trap women and girls in cycles of gender-based violence (GBV). As the world marks the UN 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, it is essential to spotlight how economic injustice fuels abuse and limits survivors’ ability to break free.

Globally, 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime [1]. But this statistic tells only part of the story. Economic vulnerability magnifies the risk. According to UN Women, women who lack income or financial independence are more than twice as likely to experience intimate partner violence (IPV) compared to women with stable earnings [2]. Poverty does not cause violence, but it creates the conditions that allow it to thrive.

Women and girls in low-income settings often face restricted access to education, limited job opportunities, lower wages, and discriminatory cultural norms that position men as sole decision-makers. In many African countries, including Nigeria, the gender wage gap persists, and only 47% of women participate in the labor force compared to 74% of men [3]. Economic dependence becomes both a weapon and a barrier abusers use financial control to dominate, and survivors stay because they have nowhere else to go.

Research also shows that economic abuse such as preventing a woman from working, taking her earnings, or denying access to financial resources is present in 94% of abusive relationships [4]. This form of violence is silent but devastating. It keeps survivors trapped in relationships where they fear not only physical harm, but homelessness, hunger, and inability to care for their children.

During the 16 Days of Activism, the global community emphasizes prevention, protection, and justice. Yet these efforts are incomplete without addressing the economic realities that shape women’s lives. Economic empowerment is not a luxury it is a protective factor. Studies show that when women have financial independence, the likelihood of experiencing intimate partner violence drops significantly, sometimes by up to 35% [5].

To meaningfully address GBV, we must:

  • Expand women’s access to education, digital literacy, and vocational training.
  • Promote equal employment opportunities and enforce equal pay legislation.
  • Support women-owned businesses and access to credit.
  • Integrate economic empowerment programs into GBV prevention strategies.
  • Provide social protection, cash transfers, and safety nets that reduce vulnerability.

 

Over the years, the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) has consistently advanced economic and gender justice through practical empowerment programmes that strengthen the financial independence of women and adolescent girls. Across various communities, CFHI has trained over 500 women and girls in income-generating skills such as tailoring, pastry production, craft design, and household product manufacturing interventions that have enabled many beneficiaries to start small-scale businesses and reduce their economic dependence.

Under its OVC and community health programs, CFHI has also supported female caregivers from over 1000 vulnerable households with start-up kits, access to savings groups, and linkages to livelihood opportunities. Additionally, CFHI’s gender norms and leadership development activities have reached thousands of adolescents and young women, strengthening their confidence, shifting harmful cultural perceptions, and enhancing their participation in community leadership. Support for adolescent mothers has remained a core focus. These combined interventions reflect CFHI’s long-standing commitment to empowering women and girls with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to achieve economic independence and live free from violence.

As we participate in the global campaign, let us remember that ending violence requires ending poverty and dependence. Governments, development actors, communities, and individuals must work together to expand economic opportunities and dismantle systems that keep women financially trapped.

Empowering women economically is one of the most powerful ways to break the silence, stop the violence, and build a future where every woman can live with dignity, safety, and independence. Economic justice is gender justice. A world free from violence must also be a world free from poverty.

 

References

  1. World Health Organization. Violence against women: prevalence estimates 2018. Geneva: WHO; 2021. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240022256
  2. UN Women. Facts and figures: Ending violence against women. 2024. Available from: https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/facts-and-figures
  3. World Bank. Labor force participation rate, female (% of female population ages 15+). 2023. Available from: https://data.worldbank.org
  4. Adams AE, Sullivan CM, Bybee D, Greeson M. Development of the scale of economic abuse. Violence Against Women. 2008;14(5):563-588.
  5. UNFPA. Economic empowerment and the reduction of gender-based violence: Global evidence. 2023. Available from: https://www.unfpa.org

 

 

TO BE CONTINUED…WATCH OUT FOR

NO 5 BARRIER

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Socio-Cultural Norms and Practices A Deep-Rooted Barrier to Ending GBV

16DaysOfActivism, Child Trafficking, Community Development, Cultural practices in Africa, Gender, Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Health, Health Communication, Men, Men's Health, Mental Health /

Across communities, the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is often undermined not by the absence of laws or policies, but by something far more entrenched socio-cultural norms and practices. These norms act as invisible rules that govern how people think, behave, and relate to each other, shaping gender expectations from childhood into adulthood. When these expectations are rooted in inequality, they form a powerful barrier that normalizes violence against women and girls and shields perpetrators from accountability. To truly eliminate GBV, we must confront these beliefs, because they are the soil from which violence grows.

In many parts of Nigeria, men are socialized to be dominant and authoritative, while women are groomed to be submissive, tolerant, and “obedient.” These expectations directly reinforce violence. A study in Northwest Nigeria showed that domestic violence is often justified by community members as a “corrective measure,” particularly when women fail to adhere to traditional roles of respect and submission to their husbands 2. This cultural acceptance makes reporting violence extremely difficult, as survivors fear being blamed, shamed, or even punished by their own families or communities.

Deep-seated practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage, widowhood rituals, and the payment of bride price further cement gender inequality. In Northern Nigeria, child marriage is frequently defended as a cultural or religious requirement, yet research shows it exposes girls to sexual violence, health risks, and lifelong disempowerment 3 Similarly, FGM persists in communities where it is considered a rite of passage or a marker of purity, despite its severe physical and psychological consequences. These practices reinforce the idea that a woman’s value is tied to her body and her obedience, not her autonomy or humanity 6.

Gender norms also influence how communities perceive survivors and perpetrators. In the Niger Delta, for instance, over 75% of respondents in one study believed that women provoke violence when they fail to meet cultural expectations of submission and domestic responsibility 7. This belief creates a dangerous cycle where victims are blamed and perpetrators are excused, further emboldening violence. Even in settings considered more progressive, such as universities, harmful beliefs remain widespread. Research among students at the University of Calabar revealed that many still view men as inherently superior and justified in exerting control over women through violence 4.

These norms are not just personal attitudes they have structural consequences. A multivariate analysis across different regions of Nigeria confirmed a strong correlation between cultural beliefs and the prevalence of GBV 10. They influence legal reporting, access to justice, community support systems, and even the willingness of institutions to intervene. So long cultural frameworks continue to excuse or minimize violence, GBV will persist regardless of how many laws or policies exist on paper.

To dismantle these barriers, Nigeria must invest in cultural transformation alongside policy reforms. This requires community dialogues, gender-transformative education, economic empowerment of women, and meaningful engagement with traditional and religious leaders who hold influence over cultural practices. It also means amplifying survivor voices, strengthening community accountability systems, and challenging harmful norms through storytelling, media campaigns, and grassroots activism. Socio-cultural norms are deeply rooted but they are not unchangeable. Change begins when communities recognize that culture should protect, not destroy.

 

 

References

  1. Ede V, Arinze-Umobi C. Gender Issues in Islam. Teologia. 2024.
    https://journal.walisongo.ac.id/index.php/teologia/article/view/25466
  2. Argungu AM, Safiyanu S, Abba M. Domestic Violence and Women’s Rights in Northwest Nigeria. ASJP African Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences.
    https://aspjournals.org/ajahss/index.php/ajahss/article/view/173
  3. Adeyemi S, Engwa GA. Influence of Socio-Cultural Beliefs on Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria.
    Semantics Scholar.
    https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Socio-Cultural-Beliefs-and-Gender-Based-Violence-Adeyemi-Engwa/3cd20061f7caa3c54b6b88ff063d5ba2272f2c6b
  4. Ibekwe J. Influence of cultural norms and stereotypes on gender-based violence among students of the University of Calabar. International Journal of Medical Students.
    https://ijms.pitt.edu/IJMS/article/view/2956
  5. Olaseni AO, Akpa OM. Socio-cultural perspectives of GBV in Nigeria. SAGE Journals.
    https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2158244020982992
  6. Ojedokun U. Religion, Culture and Violence Against Women in Nigeria. Religions Journal. 2023.
    https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/3/359
  7. Idumwonyi I, Aigbokhaevbolo O. Community Perceptions of GBV in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. DOAJ.
    https://doaj.org/article/670a61e4b2bc4c9fbe669857804551ab
  8. Mulbah J, et al. Cultural beliefs and GBV in Sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Public Health.
    https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-020-09138-9
  9. Onyekwere G. Widowhood practices and socio-cultural norms reinforcing GBV in Nigeria. African Journals Online (AJOL).
    https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsda/article/view/233564
  10. Bala RY, Idris A. Socio-Cultural Drivers of Gender-Based Violence: A Multivariate Analysis in Nigeria.
    IJMRA. https://ijmra.in/v7i5/6.php

 

 

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Supporting Survivors Beyond the Statistics: A Call to Action This 16 Days of Activism

16DaysOfActivism, ChildNotBride, Community Development, Gender, Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Girl Education, Health, International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Men, Mental Health, Speak Wednesday /

Each year, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence reminds the world that violence against women and girls is not just a crisis it is a daily reality for millions [1]. Reports, data sheets, and global indicators help us understand the magnitude, but behind every statistic is a living, breathing person whose life has been altered by harm. This year, as we observe the campaign, it is crucial that we shift our collective attention from the numbers to the humans behind them. True progress lies in supporting survivors beyond the statistics.

Too often, survivors are reduced to percentages “1 in 3,” “1 in 5,” “35% globally” [2]. While these numbers capture attention, they do not capture the emotional, physical, and economic aftermath that survivors carry. They do not speak to the silence, the stigma, the fear of seeking help, or the systemic barriers that make healing harder than the violence itself. Ending gender-based violence requires more than awareness. It demands empathy, survivor-centered systems, and long-term support [3].

Supporting survivors goes far beyond responding to incidents; it means creating environments where they are believed, protected, and empowered to rebuild. It means ensuring access to justice, psychosocial care, healthcare, safe spaces, and economic opportunities [5]. It also means challenging harmful gender norms, dismantling structures that enable violence, and educating communities to recognize and prevent abuse before it happens.

At the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI), this survivor-centered approach is at the heart of our work. Through our gender norms interventions, community dialogues, capacity-building programs, and youth engagement initiatives, CFHI champions the rights, dignity, and well-being of women, girls, and all survivors. From preventive education to psychosocial support and referral services, we ensure that survivors are not lost in the numbers but seen, heard, and supported through their healing journey.

But CFHI cannot do this alone. Ending violence is a collective responsibility; As we mark this year’s 16 Days of Activism, we call on, communities to break the culture of silence and create safe spaces for survivors, institutions to strengthen reporting systems, legal protections, and survivor-friendly services. Parents and caregivers to model respect and equality within their homes, young people to speak up against online and offline violence and promote positive gender norms. Government and policymakers to invest in prevention, strengthen accountability, and fund survivor services, you, reading this, to challenge harmful behaviours, support survivors around you, and become an advocate for a violence-free world.

Survivors are not statisticsthey are individuals deserving of dignity, justice, and healing. As we stand together during the 16 Days of Activism, let us commit to building a society that supports survivors not just in reports but in real life, every day [4].

CFHI remains steadfast in its mission: promoting health, protection, and empowerment for all. Together, we can end violence one voice, one action, and one survivor supported at a time.

 

References

[1] UN Women. (2024). Ending Violence Against Women: Facts & Figures.
https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/facts-and-figures

[2] World Health Organization. (2021). Violence Against Women Prevalence Estimates 2018.
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240022256

[3] UN Women. 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign.
https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/take-action/16-days-of-activism

[4] United Nations. (2024). International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women  Background.
https://www.un.org/en/observances/ending-violence-against-women-day

[5] UNFPA. (2023). Gender-Based Violence: Global Overview and Response Strategies.
https://www.unfpa.org/gender-based-violence

 

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Protecting Our Children from Common Illnesses

16DaysOfActivism, Child Labour, ChildNotBride, Gender, Gender Based Violence, Girl Education, Health, Healthy Dieting, Hygiene, Men, Men's Health, Nation Building, WHO, World Food Day /

Children remain highly vulnerable to common illnesses, and preventing these diseases is essential to safeguarding their growth and wellbeing. In Nigeria, infections such as diarrhea, malaria, and acute respiratory infections continue to be among the leading causes of sickness and death in children under five, despite being largely preventable. Evidence shows that environmental and structural factors contribute significantly to this burden. Research highlights that improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are strongly associated with reduced childhood diarrhea and respiratory infections (1). Additionally, findings from Nigeria’s Demographic and Health Surveys indicate that poor housing conditions including overcrowding and inadequate ventilation are major predictors of child illness across the country (2).

The impact of these illnesses extends far beyond short-term discomfort. Children who frequently experience diarrhea or respiratory infections are at increased risk of stunting, and spatial health research in Nigeria reveals that these conditions often overlap, creating compounded threats to child growth and development (3). Preventable infections such as measles also have long-term consequences on immunity and overall health in later life, as demonstrated in studies tracking early-life measles exposure (6). Even though effective vaccines exist, childhood immunization coverage remains suboptimal in many regions, prompting the introduction of innovative solutions such as artificial intelligence systems to increase vaccine uptake (5). Reliable hospital data further confirm that pneumonia, malaria, and diarrheal diseases remain major contributors to child mortality in Nigerian healthcare settings (4). Alongside medical treatment, community-based interventions such as hygiene promotion, nutrition counselling, and timely referral are essential to reducing morbidity. Globally, standardized caregiver resources like UNICEF’s “Facts for Life” continue to guide families on preventing and responding to common childhood illnesses (7).

The Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) plays a critical role in reducing the burden of childhood illnesses through targeted community programs. CFHI supports maternal, newborn, and child health activities, including MNCH weeks where children receive essential interventions such as vaccinations, deworming, vitamin A supplementation, growth monitoring, and malnutrition screening (8). The organization also drives WASH improvements aimed at reducing disease spread and implements extensive community health education on hygiene, sanitation, immunization, and early care-seeking. Through capacity-building efforts, CFHI strengthens the skills of health workers and volunteers to deliver quality child health services (9). CFHI’s approach is evidence-based and community-centered, ensuring that interventions respond to local needs and contribute meaningfully to child survival and development.

Protecting children from preventable illnesses requires collective responsibility. Caregivers should ensure full vaccination, practice proper handwashing, maintain clean household environments, and seek medical care early when their children show signs of illness. Community members must actively share health information and support local awareness programs. Policy and government actors should invest in clean water systems, sanitation infrastructure, and housing improvements to create healthier environments for children. Finally, individuals and organizations can strengthen CFHI’s efforts by volunteering, partnering, or supporting programs that promote child health. Together, these actions can secure a safer, healthier future for every child.

 

References

  1. Oyebanji TO, Chandra-Mouli V. Burden of Common Childhood Diseases in Relation to Improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) among Nigerian Children. PubMed [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2025 Nov 23]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29895758/
  2. Olusanya BO, Odeyemi OA, Abimbola S, Adebowale SA. Housing conditions as predictors of common childhood illness: Evidence from Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys, 2008–2018. PubMed [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2025 Nov 23]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33476186/
  3. Gai T, Cunningham E, Chukwuogo O, et al. Spatial Co-Morbidity of Childhood Acute Respiratory Infection, Diarrhoea and Stunting in Nigeria. PubMed [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2025 Nov 23]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35162859/
  4. van den Berg GJ, von Hinke S, Vitt N. Early life exposure to measles and later-life outcomes: Evidence from the introduction of a vaccine. arXiv [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Nov 23]. Available from: https://arxiv.org/abs/2301.10558
  5. Kehinde O, Abdul R, Afolabi B, et al. Deploying ADVISER: Impact and Lessons from Using Artificial Intelligence for Child Vaccination Uptake in Nigeria. arXiv [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Nov 23]. Available from: https://arxiv.org/abs/2402.00017
  6. Morbidity and Mortality Pattern of Childhood Illnesses Seen at the Children Emergency Unit of Federal Medical Center, Asaba, Nigeria. AMHSR [Internet]. [cited 2025 Nov 23]. Available from: https://www.amhsr.org/articles/morbidity-and-mortality-pattern-of-childhood-illnesses-seen-at-the-children-emergency-unit-of-federal-medical-center-asaba-nigeria.html
  7. Facts for Life. [Internet]. [cited 2025 Nov 23]. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facts_for_Life
  8. Centre for Family Health Initiative. 2020 Annual Report. Abuja: CFHI; 2020. [Internet]. [cited 2025 Nov 23]. Available from: https://www.cfhinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/CFHI_2020-Annual-Report.pdf
  9. Centre for Family Health Initiative. Who We Are. [Internet]. [cited 2025 Nov 23]. Available from: https://www.cfhinitiative.org/who-we-are/

Protecting Our Children from Common Illnesses Read More »

MONDAY HEALTH BURST

Community Development, Gender, Health, Health Communication, Healthy Dieting, Hygiene, Men, Men's Health, Mental Health, Monday Health Burst, Nation Building, WHO /

Hygiene and Health for Every Man

Good hygiene is not only a personal responsibility but a fundamental aspect of disease prevention, dignity, and overall well-being for men across all ages. Research shows that poor hygiene contributes significantly to the global burden of infectious diseases. According to the World Health Organization, inadequate hygiene practices account for nearly 432,000 deaths annually from diarrheal diseases alone (1) with millions more suffering from preventable infections linked to poor personal and environmental hygiene. Studies also reveal that men are statistically less likely than women to engage in consistent hygiene routines, including regular handwashing, oral care, and preventive health screenings. A 2022 global survey noted that over 65% of men admit to skipping basic hygiene routines (2) increasing their vulnerability to infections, skin diseases, urinary tract complications, and communicable illnesses. Poor hygiene also affects mental health, social interactions, productivity, and overall quality of life, especially in environments where men are primary earners and caregivers.

The implications of poor hygiene for men extend far beyond physical health. Lack of proper personal and environmental cleanliness can affect workplace productivity, family health, and community wellness. For example, studies show that effective handwashing alone can reduce respiratory infections by over 21% (3) yet many men either neglect this simple act or lack access to clean water and safe sanitation facilities. Globally, 3.5 billion people still lack safe sanitation (4) and this affects men in marginalized communities disproportionately, often exposing them to contaminated environments and increasing their risk of illness. Oral hygiene is another overlooked aspect; research indicates that men are 40% less likely than women to seek dental care (5) leading to higher rates of gum disease, which has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Hygiene is not just cleanliness it is a cornerstone of preventive health.

As we commemorate International Men’s Day and World Toilet Day, we encourage, admonish, and advise men everywhere to stay true to hygiene and neatness. Cleanliness is strength. Hygiene is responsibility. And taking care of your health is an act of leadership and self-respect. Men must break free from harmful cultural norms that label hygiene awareness as weakness or unmanliness. True masculinity includes caring for one’s body, environment, and overall well-being. A healthy man becomes a healthier father, partner, colleague, and community member. The global theme for this period emphasizes dignity, safe sanitation, and improved well-being for everyone and men must be active participants in this movement.

Wash your hands often, maintain proper grooming, care for your oral health, keep your environment clean, use toilets responsibly, practice safe sanitation, and seek regular health checks. Small habits save lives. Hygiene is health, and health is power. Let this be a reminder that healthier men build stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger nation.

For enquiries, partnerships, or to invite CFHI for sensitization programs, kindly contact us via: info@cfhinitiative.org 

 

References

  1. World Health Organization. Diarrhoeal disease. 2023. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diarrhoeal-disease
  2. Global hygiene behaviours survey results. 2022. Available from: https://yougov.co.uk/topics/health/articles-reports
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Show Me the Science – How to Wash Your Hands. 2023. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-handwashing.html
  4. World Health Organization & UNICEF. Progress on household drinking water, sanitation and hygiene 2023 update. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240073347
  5. American Dental Association. Oral health and men’s health. 2022. Available from: https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute

 

 

 

 

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Institutional Barriers to Eliminating Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria

16DaysOfActivism, Events, Female Roles in Nation Building, Gender, Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, WHO, Women, Women Education /

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations in Nigeria, cutting across age, class, religion, and region. Despite significant progress through policies such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) 2015 and the National Gender Policy, the persistence of GBV points to a deeper problem institutional barriers that hinder real progress. While advocacy, awareness, and community engagement have improved over the years, the systems designed to protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable often fail to function effectively, leaving many victims without justice or support (WHO, UN Women Nigeria).

One of the major institutional barriers lies within the legal and policy framework itself. Although the VAPP Act was enacted at the federal level, its domestication across Nigeria has been uneven. Several states are yet to fully implement the Act, creating inconsistencies in protection and enforcement. Even where laws exist, weak sanctions, unclear definitions of offences, and a lack of gender-sensitive judicial processes often discourage survivors from seeking justice. Studies reveal that institutional delays, corruption, and lack of trust in law enforcement agencies further compound the challenge, allowing perpetrators to act with impunity while survivors continue to suffer in silence (UNIZIK Journal of Contemporary Law).

Another critical issue is institutional capacity and accountability. Many key institutions from the police and judiciary to hospitals and social welfare departments are under-resourced and poorly coordinated. A BMC Women’s Health (2025) study found that more than half of young women surveyed in Nigeria reported not knowing where or how to access post-violence services, indicating major gaps in awareness and accessibility. Furthermore, the lack of training among personnel on survivor-centred approaches leads to secondary victimization, where victims experience stigma, judgment, or even blame when they report abuse. Without adequate funding, coordination, and monitoring systems, institutions cannot effectively carry out their mandates in the fight against GBV (PubMed).

Institutional culture also plays a silent but powerful role. In many organizations and workplaces, gender inequality is embedded in the structure itself from male-dominated leadership to discriminatory workplace practices. Research in Nigerian universities has shown a high prevalence of sexual harassment and bullying, often perpetuated by hierarchical power systems that silence victims (BMC Women’s Health, 2021). The absence of internal reporting mechanisms, confidentiality policies, and disciplinary structures reinforces a culture of impunity. When institutions themselves tolerate or ignore acts of violence, it sends a dangerous message that such behaviour is acceptable or can be overlooked.

Finally, the lack of effective data systems and poor inter-agency coordination weaken national response efforts. Many institutions fail to collect or share accurate data on GBV cases, making it difficult to track progress or design informed interventions. Without reliable evidence, resource allocation becomes arbitrary, and survivors remain invisible in policy decisions (MDPI Social Sciences Journal). These systemic weaknesses mean that even well-intentioned programs struggle to achieve lasting change.

The Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) continues to advocate for institutional reforms that promote gender equality, justice, and survivor centred GBV response systems. Through its gender norms interventions and community engagement projects, CFHI works to sensitize service providers, law enforcement officers, and community leaders on the importance of implementing the VAPP Act effectively. The organization also conducts awareness campaigns under its SpeakWednesday platform to highlight barriers that hinder justice for survivors. By fostering collaboration between government agencies, CSOs, and communities, CFHI contributes to strengthening institutional frameworks that ensure women and girls live free from violence and discrimination.

Eliminating GBV in Nigeria requires more than awareness it demands institutional transformation. Laws must not only exist but be enforced; systems must not only respond but protect. As CFHI and partners continue to push for accountability and systemic change, a safer, more equitable Nigeria becomes achievable for all.

References

  1. Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) 2015. Policy Vault Africa. Available from: https://policyvault.africa/wp-content/uploads/policy/NGA1408.pdf
  2. Federal Ministry of Women Affairs. National Gender Policy. Available from: https://nigeriarising.org.ng/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/National-Gender-Policy.pdf
  3. World Health Organization (WHO). Violence against women. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women
  4. UN Women Nigeria. Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria: Review of Institutional Responses. Available from: https://nigeria.un.org/en/222675-gender-based-violence-nigeria-review-institutional-responses
  5. Ezeibe CC. The Challenges of Implementing the VAPP Act in Nigeria. UNIZIK Journal of Contemporary Law. Available from: https://journals.unizik.edu.ng/jcpl/article/download/6488/5405/14850
  6. BMC Women’s Health (2025). Institutional Barriers and Women’s Access to GBV Services in Nigeria. Available from: https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12905-025-03714-2
  7. PubMed Central. Barriers to Accessing GBV Services in Nigeria. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37830664/
  8. BMC Women’s Health (2021). Sexual Harassment in Nigerian Universities. Available from: https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12905-021-01273-w
  9. MDPI Social Sciences Journal (2024). Institutional Weakness and Gender-Based Violence Response in Nigeria. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/14/6/336
  10. Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI). Official Website. Available from: https://www.cfhinitiative.org/

TO BE CONTINUED…WATCH OUT FOR

NO 3 BARRIER

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