By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The National APC Women Advocacy Organisation (NAWA-ORG) has sensitised and built the capacity of no fewer than 500 students of Junior Secondary School, Durumi 1, on checkmating and addressing Gender Based Violence (GBV).
The Chairperson of NAWA-ORG, Dr Amina Kundiri, in her remarks on Saturday in Abuja, said the capacity-building is part of the organisation’s programme to mark the World 16 Days Activism on GBV.
The programme with the theme “Voice It Out” was put together by NAWA-ORG.
Kundiri explained that both male and female students were sensitised and lectured on the issues around GBV.
“Gender Based Violence has been a generational issue. Male children also suffers GBV. We are doing this programme to encourage those suffering in silence to come out and speak out.
“Also, we want the children to be aware, and have the capacity to create and respect boundaries in relationships.
“You know, GBV has branches of abuses, such as mental, physical, social, sexual and many others. We sensitised them on all of these. We also plan to go to others schools to do same.
“We want to see our children live a life devoid of cyber bullying, immortality, GBV and other negative societal crimes.
“In NAWA-ORG, we want to to see a better Nigeria. And whatever we are doing, we believe Nigerians will benefit from it,” Kundiri said.
Also speaking, the Publicity Secretary of NAWA-ORG, Evelyn Onyilo, said GBV is meted on young people.
“We need them to know their rights and what to do in times of violation. We need them to be aware that they have the right to report GBV to a reliable/responsible adult, or senior person that can fight for them.
“Some of them were brought from the village by their relations, and before you know, they are being treated like slaves.
“What we are trying to do is to ensure that children are thought how to speak out and also be aware of issues surrounding gender equality.
“We gather boys and girls for this programme because, boys too fall victim of GBV. Boys should also know how to respect girls.
“We need to catch them young. It is very necessary. Also, NAWA-ORG aims at bringing forth leaders with a difference; skills, leadership and humanitarian works in the society,:” Onyilo said.
Meanwhile, the Principal of the school, Mr Tanimu Rini exressed gratitude for NAWA-ORG’s choice of his school, adding that the sensitisation will help his students.
“If NAWA-ORG can go round all the schools with this programmes, it will lead to reduction of immorality in the society. We love this programme. By coming to sensitise my students, they have made my day”.
Also speaking, one of the facilitators, Mrs Mercy Inyang, educated the students about dangers of hook-up platforms, nudity, negative effects of the internet, bullying and other societal vices.
Inyang, however, admonished them to protect their bodies, avoid online chat platforms, have high self esteem and always say no to friendships that could destroy their future.
Another facilitator, Dr Anie Gold encouraged the students, especally the girls to have self confidence, always stand their ground, take leadership roles and not feel intimidated by the opposite sex.
Meanwhile, a Counsellor, Mrs Fatima AbdulQadir, also educated the students on life building skills and how to be focus and avoid distractions in chasing their dreams.
An interactive session was also held, where the students expressed satisfaction, benefits and gains from the programmes which they said has built their capacity to speak out and report GBV.
