Build the Agency of 150 Adolescent Girls and Women

In the busy community of Rigasa in Kaduna State, Halima Musa, a 23-year-old healthcare worker, starts her day with renewed purpose. Once shy and uncertain about discussing family planning, Halima now serves as a beacon of knowledge and hope for many young married women in her community.

This journey began when she participated in a recent capacity-building workshop organized by Education as a Vaccine aimed at improving contraceptive uptake among married couples aged 18 to 24. The training equipped Halima and 39 other female healthcare workers with practical skills to offer accurate information, debunk myths, and provide youth-friendly counseling services.

The ripple effect of this change is already evident. One of Halima’s clients, 19-year-old Aisha, who was married at 17, shared how the sessions helped her and her husband understand the importance of child spacing.

Aisha, 19. “We used to think contraceptives were only for older women, “But through the 6-week safe space session I attended with other women, Halima explained everything clearly. Now, I’m on a method that works for me, and I feel more in control of my life.”

This approach goes beyond numbers; it’s about building trust among couples, improving couple decision-making, fostering dignity, and creating safe spaces where young women are heard. With each counseling session, healthcare workers like Halima are not just providing services; they are transforming the narrative of reproductive health in Kaduna, one young couple at a time.

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“Before the training, I didn’t know how to start conversations with young couples. There was fear of being judged or misunderstood,” Halima shared. “Now, I feel confident. I can sit with a young woman and talk to her as a sister, explaining her options and helping her make the best decision for her body and future.”

Conclusion:
As Kaduna State continues to face challenges related to early marriage and limited access to reproductive health information, the impact of empowering female healthcare workers is undeniable. Through culturally sensitive dialogue and enhanced capacity, women like Halima are bridging knowledge and trust gaps. Their efforts are not only improving contraceptive uptake but also equipping young married couples with the tools to make informed choices, paving the way for healthier families and a brighter future for the next generation.