By Longtong Ibrahim
Kaduna (Nigeria) – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in collaboration with Fansarwa Care Foundation (a Non-governmental Organization), has embarked on a sensitization campaign to enlighten girls in secondary schools on the need to break the silence and speak out against gender-based violence.
Speaking during the flagged-off campaign tagged, ‘Break the Silence’ at the Kabala costain Government Girls Secondary School, Kaduna, Public Affairs Officer of the Kaduna State NHRC office, Abdulganiyi Abdullahi Bala, explained that the essence of the campaign was to encourage students, especially the girl-child to speak out against any form of gender based violence, ranging from rape to domestic violence among others.
He noted that the campaign also intends to enlighten them on rights issues such as rights to liberty; how to protect themselves from falling victims of rape and also the right channel to follow whenever they are molested, adding that, when reports are made, perpetrator can be identified and punished which can serve as deterrents to others.
“While establishing a rape case if eventually it happens, the first point of call is to report to a police station and ensure that the police takes the victim to a government recognized hospital where medical examination would be carried out for evidence to be established,” he added.
In a remark, the Kaduna state coordinator of Fansarwa Care Foundation, Mrs. Laura Bismarck noted that the workshop was necessitated looking at the issue of rape which is very alarming. She said almost on daily basis, issues of rape are been reported as such there is the need to break the silence because the more such cases are not reported, the more the crime will be committed.
She said, “But if we are able to talk, we can make example of people convicted of this offences and things would get better because it can serve as deterrent to others and the menace of rape will be broken.”
Mrs. Bismarck however advised the students to be careful of who and where they always visit; noting that, in any instance they are been molested or raped, they shouldn’t feel threaten but confide in their teachers or report to the Police, NHRC office or the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
“It is said that prevention is better than cure, but when eventually it happens, you should always speak out. We shouldn’t allow stigma to bring us down.
“You should not be found in the habit of arranging your fellow girls for men but concentrate on your studies and be contented with whatever is been provided to you by your parent,” she emphasized.
She further explained that the sensitization campaign would further be carried out in three other public schools, centered on female students – GGSS Kabala Doki, GGSS Kawo, GGSS Sabon Tasha, and GGSS Barnawa.
“We choose public schools because they are more in number and the women are the most vulnerable members of the society. They are still young and we need to sensitize them so that they can speak out on issues of gender based violence,” she said.
In a remark, Principal of the school, Adama Balarabe while commending the organization for organizing such a program pointed out that it would go a long way in building confidence of the students, noting that, when they are able to speak out at an adolescent age, they would grow up and have great self esteem.
Elizabeth Adeleye, a student of the school while making a remark said she has been encourage to speak out on any kind of molestation or gender-based violence. She posited that many children are use to keeping silence whenever they are molested at home and even within their peers but with activities of this nature in schools, it can build their confidence to speak out where necessary.
