AAEF, HUWIB Host Inter-School Debate on Gender-Based Violence in Obubra
Bejamin GBOR
The Abon Abang Empowerment Foundation (AAEF), in partnership with Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiative (HUWIB), has organised an inter-school debate to raise awareness on School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV) among secondary school students in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The event, which held on recently at Government Technical College, Obubra, brought together students and teachers from different schools to discuss the topic: “Should schools be held accountable for not preventing school-related gender-based violence?”
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of AAEF, Engr. Dr. George Ndifon Abang, said gender-based violence remains a serious threat to students, especially girls, within and around schools. He explained that such violence affects students’ education, mental health, and personal development.
Dr. Abang said the debate was organised to give students the confidence to speak out against abuse and to help them understand their rights. According to him, involving young people in open discussions on social issues makes them part of the solution to the problem. He added that parents, teachers, school authorities, community leaders, and government must all work together to ensure schools are safe for every child.
Also speaking at the event, Cross River State first lady, Bishop Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu, represented by the Special Adviser on Gender Mainstreaming and Chairman of HUWIB, Dr. Inyang Asibong, noted that gender-based violence remains one of the major reasons many children, especially girls, are unable to learn in a safe environment. She urged students to respect one another, challenge harmful attitudes, and report cases of abuse to the appropriate authorities.
Dr. Asibong reaffirmed the commitment of the Wife of the Governor and HUWIB to youth empowerment, gender equality, and community-based programmes aimed at protecting young people across the state.
Participants from Government Technical College, Obubra, Community Secondary Commercial School, Ofodua, and Community Secondary School, Apiapum, praised AAEF, HUWIB, and the Cross River State Government for their efforts to address gender-based violence. They said the debate was timely and helped to remind students that gender-based violence affects everyone in society.
The event ended with the presentation of medals, cash prizes, and educational materials to outstanding students who took part in the debate.
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