By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
The Bauchi State chapter of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Office of the Bauchi State First Lady, has organized a two-day Training of Trainers (TOT) for selected women from across the state.
The two day training is for CSOs especially those of women development focused plan on crafting a comprehensive advocacy strategy to reduce the rate of malnutrition in the state which is becoming so alarming.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, State Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajiya Rasheeda Yusuf said that the partnership is in the forefront to commence the process of equipping the participants and also developing a strategic plan that will give a direction on effective way to drive advocacy for maternal and child nutrition in the state.
“This training will provide a unifying platform for our collective contributions to providing a roadway in improving nutrition advocacy across the 20 local governments in the state.
“The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) is a group of Women Professional Journalists working in various media organizations in the state. Committed to evidence -based advocacy, creating awareness and sensitization of stakeholders and members of the general public on issues of human development particularly to women and children in the state.
“NAWOJ also amplifies the voice of the vulnerable groups in the society which aimed at targeting policy makers and relevant stakeholders in all sectors such as health, education, economic, empowerment, mitigation of Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) for positive outcomes and behavioral change.
“The country is facing a severe crisis of malnutrition with millions of children seriously affected particularly in the North East and the North West in which our dear state falls.
“As Journalists, our various findings showed that inadequate access to food, poor feeding practice and weak health seeking behavior coupled with the socio-economic challenges in the country increase the high rate in the region and the state.
“It is on this note that we all gathered here to brainstorm on this issue that is becoming a scourge in the state which is malnutrition. As you arrive for this mission, I urge you to keenly listen to all the presentations and discussions and as well, participate actively so that, you can reap so much for your individual groups.
“You are expected to go back and organize your groups for this task of incorporating intervention towards reducing malnutrition amongst our population ” she said
Also Zonal Secretary of the National Association Women Journalists (NAWOJ), North East, Hajiya Hauwa Aliyu, lamented the state of malnutrition among children in the Northeast region, saying the state of the economy in the country has aggravated the situation.
She called on women to dive into cultivation of homegrown foods such as vegetables, fruits and grains to access the necessary vitamins needed for their children.
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