The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Centre for Communication and Social Impact

  • Experts, stakeholders call for tailored communication to boost family planning uptake 

    Experts, stakeholders call for tailored communication to boost family planning uptake 

    Stakeholders in Nigeria’s reproductive health sector have called for more tailored, context-specific communication strategies to improve the uptake of modern family planning (FP) methods across the country. 

    This call was made during a dissemination webinar hosted on Wednesday, 26 June 2025, by the Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), to share findings from the Family Planning Communication Landscaping Assessment conducted in Lagos, Kaduna, and Kano states.

    The virtual event, which brought together public health experts, communication professionals, policymakers, and development partners, highlighted the urgent need to align FP messaging with the media habits, cultural contexts, and method preferences of target populations, especially adolescents and youth.

    Welcoming participants to the session, moderator Precious Kanayo-Omonoju set the tone for the event, which provided a platform for reflection on the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from the six-month research project.

    Evaluation and learning expert, Chukwuemeka Nwimo, who gave an overview of the study’s objectives, emphasised the importance of evidence-based communication in bridging the gap between awareness and adoption of modern contraceptive methods. 

    “There is high awareness of family planning across the three states, but uptake remains low. This study helps us understand why,” he said.

    Presenting the research methodology and key findings, Dr Matthew Okoh, the project’s lead research consultant, revealed that although Lagos recorded the highest use of modern contraceptives at 41.6%, uptake was significantly lower in Kano (27.4%) and Kaduna (26.8%). The most preferred methods across the states were implants, injectables, and male condoms, with clear variation by age, gender, and location.

    Dr Okoh noted that adolescents in Kano showed high use of injectables, while male condom use was particularly high among youth in Lagos. “These findings show that one-size-fits-all approaches are not effective. Communication must be tailored to suit different demographics and regional dynamics,” he stated.

    In his presentation on challenges and lessons learned, Dr Okoh highlighted the persistence of myths and misconceptions, limited youth-friendly communication, and inadequate digital engagement, particularly in the northern states. 

    He recommended more strategic use of influencers, digital platforms, and culturally appropriate messaging.

    The event also featured a lively Q&A session and open discussion moderated by Kanayo-Omonoju, where participants shared insights and asked questions around sustainability, community engagement, and policy implications.

    In his vote of thanks, Mr Oluyemi Abodunrin, Senior Programme Manager at CCSI, commended the research team and reaffirmed CCSI’s commitment to supporting data-driven interventions that strengthen Nigeria’s family planning ecosystem.

  • Centre seeks stronger criminal justice system to combat violence against women

    Centre seeks stronger criminal justice system to combat violence against women

    The Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI) has highlighted the urgent need for a stronger criminal justice system to combat violence against women, citing alarming statistics on the issue.

    CCSI’s Executive Director, Babafunke Fagbemi, called for collective action from governments, communities, and individuals as the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

    Fagbemi stressed the gravity of the situation, referencing recent United Nations (UN) data as a sobering reminder of the global crisis and a call to intensify efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls.

    According to the 2023 report by UN Women and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Femicides in 2023: Global Estimates of Intimate Partner/Family Member Femicides, an estimated 85,000 women and girls were intentionally killed worldwide in 2023. 

    Of these, 60% or 51,000, lost their lives at the hands of intimate partners or family members, equating to one woman or girl killed every 10 minutes in such settings.

    Africa recorded the highest rates of intimate partner and family-related femicides, followed by the Americas and Oceania. 

    In regions like Europe and the Americas, intimate partners were responsible for the majority of domestic killings, accounting for 64% and 58% of cases, respectively, while in other regions, family members were identified as the main perpetrators. 

    In a statement issued in Abuja, Fagbemi noted that these statistics expose the pervasive and deeply rooted nature of femicide as the most extreme form of violence against women and girls.

    She stressed that stronger criminal justice systems are needed to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure survivors have access to safe, transparent, and supportive reporting mechanisms.

    Fagbemi also highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of gender-based violence, including entrenched gender biases, power imbalances, and harmful societal norms. 

    She urged stakeholders to invest in comprehensive strategies that integrate prevention, protection, and accountability measures. 

    “Ending violence against women and girls requires a united effort to challenge and dismantle the structures that perpetuate this cycle of abuse,” she said.

    According to her, as part of this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign, CCSI joined the global movement to demand urgent action from decision-makers and to renew commitments toward eradicating violence against women and girls. 

    With the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action approaching in 2025, Fagbemi emphasized that this period offers a critical opportunity to prioritize resources and initiatives aimed at ending gender-based violence.

    CCSI, however, called on individuals to amplify their voices through campaigns like #NoExcuse and #16Days, urging everyone to take concrete steps toward building a world where no woman or girl lives in fear of violence. 

    “This is a collective responsibility. By working together, we can create a safer and more equitable society for all,” Fagbemi said.