By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
The Global Youth Network for Empowerment and Development has adopted a new social change strategy to strengthen efforts toward eliminating Female Genital Mutilation in Sierra Leone.
GYNED representatives participated in a five-day training on Social Norms and Change from August 3 to 7 at the Purposeful Office in Freetown. The training was organized by UNFPA Sierra Leone under the project “Accelerating Progress Towards the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation in Sierra Leone.”
The program focused on building capacity to understand how social and gender norms influence behavior and how evidence-based approaches can support lasting change.
Key areas covered included the dynamics of social and gender norms, identifying harmful practices, analyzing their community impact, community-centered behavior change approaches, meaningful engagement with local leaders, and monitoring shifts in social norms over time.
GYNED said it will apply the lessons across its teams and integrate them into program design, implementation, monitoring, advocacy, and partnerships.
“Sustainable development requires more than delivering interventions. It requires understanding the social realities that shape people’s choices and supporting communities to become active drivers of positive change,” GYNED stated.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to working with communities, families, youth, and influencers to promote positive norms and address harmful practices.
GYNED expressed appreciation to UNFPA Sierra Leone, facilitators, and partners for the training, noting it will enhance local capacity to address FGM and drive sustainable social change.
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