1-HOW LONG HAVE YOU KNOWN EQUIPOP AND HAVE YOU EVER WORKED TOGETHER IN THE PAST?
I have known Equipop for over 10 years. We first worked together on an advocacy workshop organized by Equipop with three or four West African countries, where I was regional advisor on advocacy and communication for behavioral change. The UNFPA office in Dakar had asked me to work on these issues with journalists, parliamentarians, and NGO leaders.
2-YOU ARE CURRENTLY THE RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNFPA NIGER OFFICE. UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES DID YOU WORK WITH EQUIPOP ON THE ISSUE OF ADOLESCENT SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS?
We have carried out two projects together. The first was a study on policies, programs, and opportunities for girls in the context of sexual and reproductive health and rights in Niger. We have just validated an in-depth study on health interventions in Niger targeting adolescent girls, which will help us and our partners to guide the next phase of the national program to combat cervical cancer.
3-MORE SPECIFICALLY, HOW WAS THE STUDY "ADOLESCENT SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS IN NIGER" USED, AND HOW WAS IT USEFUL?
We shared it with various partners from different sectors, both in civil society and government. Some of the recommendations have begun to be implemented, while others were already being implemented. It is a living study that provides avenues for us to explore, but also for all of our partners. It is good to have a document with data that we can use and that compiles what was previously only said.
4-DO YOU PLAN TO CONTINUE YOUR COLLABORATION WITH EQUILIBRES & POPULATIONS?
Yes. And in fact, we discussed the possibility of working together on a training module on female leadership.
5-MORE BROADLY, WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN UNITED NATIONS AGENCIES, NATIONAL AUTHORITIES, AND NGOs?
For me, it's essential. It's part of our work strategy, particularly at UNFPA Niger. When you're dealing with fragility, as is the case in Niger where there are problems with access to basic services in general and security, you have to work with civil society. It's quite weak and needs to be strengthened. Civil society works closely with communities, which is very important. It is like an extension of the arm of the state, which is unable to cover the entire population. This partnership is a win-win situation, indispensable and virtually unavoidable.
