|| KIDS’ CLUB MEETING IN 12 COMMUNITIES IN 5 LOPIN WARDS OF OKOBO LGA ||

The meeting took place on 16^th August to 1^st September 2016 and the total number of Children in attendance were 1,618 (765 females, 853 males). In Okopedi 1 (Mbieduo had the total number of 174(86 female, 88 males). In Nung Atai Ube 2 (Nung Atai Etta had the total number of 168 ( 85 female, 83 males), Nung Udom Odobo had the total number of  162 (80 female, 82 males), Atipa Odobo had the total number of 69 (35 Females, 34 males). In Ekeya (Idibi-enin had the total number of 56 (26 females, 30  males) Nung Ukana had the total number of 130 (63 females, 67  males), Anua  had the total number of 56 (26 females, 30 males).. In Akai Mbukpo (Afaha Akai  had the total number of 129 (59 females, 69 males), Mbukpo Oduobo had the total number of 175 (89 females, 86 males). In Eweme 1 (Urue Ita had the total number of 157 (80 females, 77 males) Udung Ulo had the total number of 202 (81 females, 121 males), Oyoku Assang had the total number of 140 (55 females, 85 males).

The meeting began with opening prayer, followed by the introduction of the Project,  AWANDEC team which comprised  Program Officer – Inemeka Ubak, Program Officer Assistance – Aniekeme Anam. The Children were segregated on age basis i.e 0 to 6years and 7 to 11years their capacity were increased on  personal hygiene. Worthy of note that, 12 years and above were engaged in life skills, confident building, gender issues among kids.

Gender Norms intervention has been an interesting tool to dig deep into the culture and norms on gender based issues in Okobo LGA. The intervention took place in 7 communities i.e Nung Udom Odobo, Mbukpo Oduobo, Afaha Akai, Idibi-enin, Mbieduo, Nung Atai Etta and Atipa Odobo).

It is worthy of note that, Gender analysis is a systematic examination of the roles, relations, opportunities, power and positions between men and women, boys and girls. AWANDEC broke into various dimensions for analyzing gender issues, some were Power and Decision Making, Legal Rights and Status, Access to Assets, Practices, Roles and Participation, Knowledge, Belief and Perception. AWANDEC  team were able to enhance project effectiveness and ensure long term sustainability by addressing underlying obstacles to project achievements through gender norms intervention. AWANDEC were also able to identify, understand and bridge gaps between  males and females that exist in households, communities and Okobo at large. It was on this  note that AWANDEC highlighted gender imbalance that worsen the conditions of vulnerable children and their Caregivers.