Introduction to Youth Empowerment Foundation’s Initiative
The Youth Empowerment Foundation (YEF) has trained no fewer than 100 female athletes from across Nigeria on leadership and self-defence against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), in Benin. The training, organised by the Youth Empowerment Foundation (YEF), began on Oct. 31 and ended on Nov. 1.
Objective of the Training
The training, which is the 4th edition of the programme, focuses on “sports as a tool for empowerment and protection.” The participants were drawn from Abia, Cross River, Delta, Oyo, Ondo, Edo, and Ekiti.
Empowering Girls Through Sports
Mr Tony Eleme, YEF Programme Officer, said the foundation used sports to empower girls with confidence, self-esteem, and leadership skills while raising awareness about GBV. “We believe that when the girl-child is empowered, the whole nation is empowered. GBV is rising, we felt it was important to help girls defend themselves, stay confident, and recognise when they are being abused,” Eleme said.
Raising Awareness and Building Resilience
He added that beyond physical defence, the training would help girls identify and report instances of abuse they may not have recognised. “Sometimes, these girls are exploited without even realising it. Through sports and education, we’re building their awareness and resilience,” he said.
The Impact of Gender-Based Violence
Dr Nosakhare Erumwunse, Edo Coordinator of the Child Protection Network Nigeria, described GBV as a crisis affecting both genders. He, however, acknowledged that women and girls remained disproportionately impacted by over 70 per cent. “A girl who has learned Taekwondo is less likely to be raped because she knows how to defend herself and disarm an attacker,” Erumwunse said.
Advice to the Athletes
He cautioned the athletes against using the skills to engage in unnecessary fights, urging them to embrace discipline and focus on competence. “Your relevance depends on your competence. Let your skill, not aggression, define your worth,” he advised.
Conclusion
The training programme by the Youth Empowerment Foundation is a significant step towards empowering girls and women against Gender-Based Violence. By providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge, the foundation is helping to build a safer and more equitable society.
FAQs
- Q: What was the focus of the training programme organised by the Youth Empowerment Foundation?
A: The focus of the training programme was on “sports as a tool for empowerment and protection” against Gender-Based Violence. - Q: How many female athletes participated in the training programme?
A: No fewer than 100 female athletes from across Nigeria participated in the training programme. - Q: What skills were the athletes trained on?
A: The athletes were trained on leadership, self-defence, and how to identify and report instances of abuse. - Q: Who organised the training programme?
A: The training programme was organised by the Youth Empowerment Foundation (YEF).
