Guarding against sexual and gender-based violence and supporting survivors is a collective responsibility, as parents and educators explained to Funmi Ogundare how they have been able to put the interest of the children first and restore the dignity of the child that has suffered abuse In the aftermath of a sexual assault or rape, survivors can face complicated and painful emotions and experiences. So parents and educators are devising safety plans to teach children how to protect themselves.
She said she has ensured that the home should be the first place where children should learn the values and beliefs so that they do not go out and fall into negative influence. For violated teenagers, she said her organisation has been working with the Ministry of Human Development and Social Services in Kaduna and rendered psychological help to the victims.
“We took our campaigns to religious houses and schools and spoke to the proprietors and school principals. We trained the teachers in the secondary schools and empowered them about preventive measures; and established pathfinder clubs in schools around Kaduna State. A social empowerment advocate, Mr. Taiwo Akinlami said his organisation created resource materials which were sent to different media to enlighten the public about the rights of the girl-child.
“The girl-child is not a sex object; neither must she be portrayed in popular music today. No one should portray the boy-child as a sex-machine. These are things to which we call attention. We have been enlightening people through a lot of advocacy, social empowerment of people with the needed knowledge, skill and attitude to protect their children.”
This reporter visited the Centre for Children’s Health, Education, Orientation and Protection a non-governmental organisation located in Ogba, Ikeja and met Miss Mariam Abisoye , 13, a junior secondary three student of Emmanuel Academy, Akute, Ogun State receiving counselling and words of hope by the founder of the organisation, Mrs Betty Abah. She was a victim of rape.
She shared her story with THISDAY: “When I was coming back from school on Friday, I was accosted by a particular Sheriff who is my boss’ fiancé whom I work for as a trainee auxiliary nurse at Baale Akinwusi Street, in Ajuwon. I noticed he was coming behind me, and he suddenly held my hand and poured a powdery substance in my face. That was the last thing I remembered.