Partners of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Adamawa State have used the turbaning ceremony of ten traditional leaders in Bachure Ward to create awareness on positive masculinity, early and forced marriage, and other harmful traditional practices.
The sensitisation programme, held in Bachure Ward of Yola North Local Government Area, reached a total of 495 participants, comprising 154 men, 182 women, 84 adolescent girls and 75 boys.
Speaking during the event, a resource person, Mr. Sunday Andrew, highlighted the negative impact of harmful traditional practices on societal growth and development. He explained that practices such as early and forced marriage not only violate human rights but also hinder education, health and economic opportunities, particularly for women and girls.
Mr. Andrew also spoke extensively on positive masculinity, urging men and boys to embrace attitudes and behaviours that promote respect, equality and shared responsibility within families and communities. He warned against toxic masculinity, noting that it fuels violence, discrimination and poor health.
According to him, promoting positive masculinity is key to building peaceful communities and ensuring the protection of women, girls and other vulnerable people.
The session was interactive, with participants asking questions and sharing experiences on how cultural and social norms affect their daily lives. Traditional leaders and community members present commended UNFPA and its partners for using a culturally significant event to address sensitive but critical issues.
The organisers expressed optimism that engaging traditional institutions would help drive sustained behavioural change and strengthen community support for the elimination of harmful traditional practices in Bachure Ward and beyond.