In a concerted effort to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and promote gender equality in child-rearing, Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria, in collaboration with UNICEF and the Oyo State Government, has trained over 100 parents, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) members, caregivers, and school teachers on positive and equitable parenting.
The one-day capacity-building workshop, held at Oba Akinbiyi Model School II Hall, Oremeji Mokola, Ibadan, focused on the importance of fostering gender equity and ending harmful traditional practices such as FGM.
Speaking during the workshop, the Executive Director of Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria, Dr. Dare Olagoke Adaramoye, highlighted the knowledge gap among parents regarding gender issues and the dangers of FGM.
“We have discovered that while adolescent boys and girls are becoming more informed, many of their parents still lack the necessary knowledge about gender equity and the harmful impact of FGM,” he said.
Adaramoye stressed the need for parents to embrace positive parenting practices and adopt gender-sensitive approaches in raising their children.
“We expect parents to return home and make necessary changes, particularly in how they promote gender equity and work toward eliminating FGM,” he added.
He further charged PTA executives and teachers to take the knowledge gained back to their respective schools and communities, emphasising the need to spread awareness and encourage a shift in attitude.
“We want to change the narrative where the male child is favoured, and the female child feels inferior. Girls must not grow up thinking they are second-class citizens,” he stated.
Dr. Adaramoye noted that low self-esteem in girls is a major concern linked to societal biases and preferential treatment of boys. He called for equal opportunities for both genders in the classroom, at home, and in social settings.
In her remarks, the Deputy Director of Child Welfare, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Adediran Celestina Oluwawemimo, echoed the importance of gender equality in parenting.
“All children are equal in the eyes of God, and parents must treat them as such. No child should be seen as superior or inferior based on gender,” she said.
Mrs. Adediran expressed concern over the high prevalence of FGM in Oyo State, stressing that the practice has no health or spiritual benefit and must be stopped. She urged parents to join hands in the fight against FGM and protect the rights and well-being of the girl child.
Also speaking, the Principal of Oba Akinbiyi Model School II, Mrs. Adebanji Adebisi Mary, described the programme as impactful and timely. She said the session addressed long-standing misconceptions rooted in cultural and religious beliefs that promote male dominance.
“We need to unlearn the societal and religious misinterpretations that place the male child above the female. FGM is a harmful practice that must be completely eradicated,” she said.
She emphasised that gender equality must begin in the home and classrooms, where children learn values that shape their worldview.
In his goodwill message, the PTA Chairman of Oba Akinbiyi Model School II, Mr. Rufai Saheed, encouraged parents to support and empower their daughters, noting that societal myths portraying girls as second-class citizens must be dismantled.
“Our daughters must know that they are capable, valuable, and equal to their male counterparts,” he said, commending the Trailblazer Initiative for the impactful training and awareness drive.
The event is part of ongoing advocacy efforts to eliminate FGM and promote gender equity through community engagement and grassroots sensitisation across Oyo State.
