Nasarawa State Takes Significant Step to Protect Adolescent Girls’ Rights
A crucial step towards safeguarding the rights of adolescent girls in Nasarawa State is underway. The State Project Implementation Unit of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) is set to sign a Code of Conduct aimed at preventing sexual violence against girls. This initiative is part of the AGILE project, a World Bank-assisted program focused on improving secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls aged 10-20.
To ensure the successful implementation of this initiative, a one-day workshop was held at the DeFirst Crown Luxury Hotel in Lafia. Implementing stakeholders discussed strategies for preventing, mitigating, and responding to sexual exploitation and harassment of secondary school-age girls. According to State AGILE Coordinator Hajiya Aishatu Aliyu Isoga, the workshop aimed to provide a safe environment for girls to learn and achieve their goals.
The Code of Conduct signing is a World Bank requirement for all key players involved in World Bank-funded projects. Hajiya Isoga expressed optimism that the AGILE project will be risk-free, emphasizing the importance of utilizing knowledge gained during the workshop.
A Gender-Based Violence and Social Safeguard expert, Elsie Ihunde, highlighted the importance of identifying and mitigating risk factors to prevent sexual violence amongst adolescent girls. The World Bank takes GBV issues seriously, ensuring that communities benefit from projects without experiencing harm.
The workshop focused on critical issues, including:
- Strategies for preventing GBV in World Bank-funded projects
- Establishing Accountability Frameworks for responding to GBV incidents and ensuring accountability
By signing the Code of Conduct and implementing these strategies, Nasarawa State is taking a significant step towards protecting the rights of adolescent girls and ensuring their safety and well-being.
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