Stakeholders call for stronger investment in parenting support to protect children, strengthen families

Leaders, researchers, and civil society representatives in Akwa Ibom State are urging greater investment in evidence-based parenting programs. They view these initiatives as crucial for protecting children, strengthening families, and enhancing overall child well-being.

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Parenting 101 with Isang was created to bridge this gap by making evidence-based parenting advice accessible through radio, a platform that reaches families where they are.

The call to action emerged during a stakeholder dissemination workshop titled “From the Airwaves to Stronger Families: Evaluating Parenting 101 with Isang and Shaping the Future of Parenting Support in Akwa Ibom State.” Organized by Parenting for Lifelong Health and the Global Parenting Initiative at the University of Oxford, the event focused on using evidence, media, and partnerships to support families.

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When parents are supported, children thrive, families become stronger and communities become safer.

Isang Awah, Head of Advocacy at the Global Parenting Initiative, highlighted that while parenting is a vital responsibility, many parents lack adequate support. She explained that "Parenting 101 with Isang" was developed to bridge this gap by delivering accessible, evidence-based advice through radio. Awah emphasized, "When parents are supported, children thrive, families become stronger and communities become safer."

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The State Government’s commitment to promoting child wellbeing and strengthening families through partnerships and evidence-informed interventions.

Representatives from the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare reaffirmed the government's commitment to child well-being. The media, represented by XL106.9 FM, was recognized for its role in driving social change, with calls for expanded programming and sustained investment in parenting support. The workshop also underscored the importance of child protection in building resilient communities.

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He reflected on the remarkable impact of Parenting 101 in strengthening families and called for its expansion through greater collaboration, interactive programming and sustained investment in parenting support.