Seventy-six girls from Dala, Wudil, and Ghari Local Government Areas of Kano State are applying their knowledge of reproductive health, gained through the 6-month Furanni programme. The programme, organised by Nigeria Health Watch in partnership with Five Cowries Art Education Initiative, concluded with graduation ceremonies held between 7 and 9 October 2026, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the girls as advocates for reproductive health awareness.
Among the graduates was Salima Ibrahim, who learned to use embroidery and fabric art as creative tools to understand, express, and communicate reproductive health messages within their communities. “There are many things we didn’t know until we attended this training,” she said. Salima also learned the importance of seeking appropriate medical care rather than relying on remedies without understanding the cause of an illness. Today, she is sharing these lessons with other girls and women in her community.
Hauwa Ibrahim Musa, another participant from Ghari, said the programme challenged her misconceptions about family planning. “After learning about its benefits, I began discussing it with members of my family, who had shared similar concerns,” she explained. She said these conversations helped her mother and other family members become more receptive to family planning.
Another participant, Fiddausi S. Fulani, highlighted the lessons on menstrual hygiene and the prevention of infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). She said the knowledge had improved her understanding of how to care for herself and protect her health.
Aisha Sufyanu reported referring between 20 and 30 women to health facilities, noting that some lacked adequate information about their health and when to seek medical attention. The programme’s emphasis on community engagement and access to essential health information aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), which prioritises stronger primary healthcare and more equitable access to quality health services.
The graduation marks more than the completion of a six-month learning programme. It represents an opportunity for the girls to become informed voices within their families and communities, sharing knowledge, challenging misconceptions, and encouraging healthier decisions. As the participants take their learning forward, their experiences reflect the importance of community-based approaches to reproductive health education and the role of young people in spreading health information.
