The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) Nigeria has inaugurated an Anti-Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Ambassador Club and introduced an incident register to document cases of GBV in schools.
Speaking at the inaguration and sensitisation event at Government Science Secondary School, New Karu, the NCWS National President, Princess Edna Azura, said educating young people about GBV would foster collective action to prevent it.
Azura said the initiative was in collaboration with the International Council of Women, aims to equip students with knowledge of their rights under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015, and empower them to take a stand against GBV.
“GBV is a pervasive issue that affects millions of people worldwide, including Nigeria. It is a violation of human rights, a betrayal of trust, and a threat to our collective well-being.
”GBV can take many forms, including physical, emotional, and psychological abuse, and it can occur in any setting, including our homes, schools, and communities,” she said.
Azura said that GBV was a collective problem that requires a collective response.
”Therefore let us work together to create a society where everyone can live free from violence and abuse.
“As future leaders, it is essential that you understand the root causes of GBV and the importance of promoting gender equality and respect for all individuals.
”You must recognise that GBV is not just a women’s issue but a human rights issue that requires a collective response,” she said.
The school principal, Ahbu Sanusi, commended NCWS for its advocacy efforts and expressed confidence that students would apply the knowledge gained to create a safer school environment.
The wife of the Karu Local Government Chairman, Hadiza Abubakar, called on participants to take the message of the sensitisation seriously.
She emphasised the importance of being well-informed, understanding the law, and taking necessary steps to protect themselves when needed.
Students who participated in the event, including Ndudin Rejoice and Destiny Kunka, described the programme as an eye-opener that deepened their understanding of violence prevention and response.
The event which drew participants from other schools in the FCT, featured discussions on “Reporting as a Protective and Defensive Mechanism Against GBV in Schools” and the provisions of the VAPP Act, 2015.
