128 students of Kano State Polytechnic on Sunday participated in a step-down training on positive masculinity, organized by the Kano Group following a recent workshop on masculinity.
The training, held to deepen awareness and promote responsible social behavior among youths, focused on the importance of positive masculinity and the dangers associated with harmful social norms.
Speaking at the event, the leader of the Kano Group, Dr. Salisu Indabawa, explained the significance of the sensitization programme, noting that the lessons shared were meant to positively influence participants’ daily lives. He cautioned students against engaging in antisocial behaviours, stressing that such actions are unacceptable and harmful to both individuals and society.
A presentation on Positive Masculinity and the Consequences of Toxic Masculinity was delivered by Mustapha Aliyu Ahmed of the Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative. He urged participants to guard against harmful norms and attitudes that promote violence, discrimination, and unhealthy social practices.
In another session, Salisu Isa Galadima of the Adolescent Health and Information Project (AHIP) spoke on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). He encouraged the students to detach themselves from behaviours and tendencies that could expose them to the risks and dangers associated with SGBV.
Addressing the issue of early marriage, Zaubaida Muhammad of the Steam Ledge Community highlighted its negative impacts on education, health, and overall development. She later engaged participants in an interactive question-and-answer session.
A competition formed part of the event’s highlights, adding excitement to the programme. Aisha Ahmed Bello, an HND II student of Business Administration and Management, emerged winner and was presented with a trophy by the organizers. The competition was conducted by Abbas Ibrahim of Newsfair.
The Kano Group is a coalition comprising Steam Ledge Community, Yaya Memorial Foundation, SHIP, Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative (IWEA), DIWA, Bridge Connect, and Newsfair. The group reaffirmed its commitment to continuing youth-focused sensitization programmes aimed at promoting positive social values and reducing harmful practices within communities.