The Vulnerable People Support and Development Initiative (V-PeSDI) has participated in a two-day capacity-building workshop organized by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) Programme with support from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), aimed at enhancing the development and dissemination of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), disability inclusion, and child protection.
The workshop brought together Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), digital content creators, facilitators, and observers to strengthen their capacity to design effective communication materials that promote awareness, advocacy, and social change.
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During the first day of the workshop, participants engaged in interactive sessions focused on the role of IEC materials as strategic tools for public education and advocacy. Discussions centered on audience identification, message development, visual communication, and the production of impactful advocacy content capable of influencing positive social outcomes.
As part of the practical sessions, V-PeSDI presented six proposed IEC material concepts designed to promote disability inclusion and advance the rights of persons with disabilities. Following a comprehensive review by facilitators and observers, three concepts were selected for further development.
The selected themes included “Disability Is Not Inability,” “Accessible Services Benefit Everyone,” and “Empower Persons with Disabilities for a Better Society.”
Participants and facilitators subsequently examined the concepts in detail, providing recommendations aimed at improving clarity, accessibility, inclusiveness, and audience engagement. Emphasis was placed on ensuring that the materials adopted a rights-based approach and effectively communicated the importance of disability inclusion.
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On the second day of the workshop, participants reviewed and refined the selected materials, incorporating feedback received during the evaluation process. The revisions focused on strengthening key messages, improving accessibility features, and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the communication tools.
The finalized IEC concepts were thereafter prepared for submission and subsequent production.
The workshop concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, providing participants with an opportunity to share experiences, seek clarification, and reflect on lessons learned during the training.
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Speaking on the outcome of the workshop, V-PeSDI commended the organizers for creating a platform that enhances the capacity of civil society organizations to develop communication materials that promote inclusion, protection, and social justice.
The organization noted that the training had strengthened its knowledge and practical skills in developing advocacy materials capable of driving positive behavioral change and increasing awareness on disability inclusion.
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V-PeSDI also expressed appreciation to RoLAC II and International IDEA for supporting organizations working to advance inclusive development and protect the rights of vulnerable populations.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the rights, dignity, and empowerment of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, while continuing to advocate for accessibility, equal opportunities, and meaningful participation across communities in Kano State and Nigeria at large.