C'River: Advocacy Group Intensifies Efforts Against Sexual Violence in Schools
By Inemesit Friday
Determined to curb the rising incidence of sexual abuse in schools, Project Alert, with support from the African Women Development Fund (AWDF), in collaboration with Girls Power Initiative (GPI) Calabar, has intensified its sensitisation campaign across learning institutions in Calabar.
The one day advocacy exercise, held at the Special Education Centre and the Cross River State College of Health Technology, Calabar, drew strong participation from students and teachers who commended the initiative.
Declaring the event open, the Executive Director of Project Alert, Dr Josephine Efa Chukwuma, highlighted the organisation’s mission to protect the rights of women and girls and to strengthen support systems for survivors. She urged participants to speak up against abuse and take advantage of available support services.
A lecturer in the Department of Social Work, University of Calabar, Dr Glory Eteng, also decried the persistent cases of sexual harassment and abuse in academic institutions. She called for stronger institutional reforms, increased accountability and appropriate sanctions to deter perpetrators and safeguard vulnerable students.
In her remarks, the Head of Programmes at Girls Power Initiative, Mrs Ndodeye Bassey Obongha, emphasised the need to break the culture of silence that surrounds sexual abuse among young people. She stressed that early education, empowerment and peer support remain vital in preventing abuse and supporting victims.
A major highlight of the sensitisation was the interactive session, which featured open discussions on sexual abuse, reporting mechanisms and safe behaviour. Students freely shared concerns and experiences, expressing worry over the rising cases of sexual violations among young people.
Another key outcome was the formal inauguration of the KASA Speak Out Clubs in both institutions. The clubs, with 20 selected students in each school from various classes and levels, are expected to serve as peer support and advocacy platforms to promote safety, awareness and prompt reporting of abuse within the school environment.
A participant, Miss Chidinma Okoro of the College of Health Technology, described the campaign as timely and empowering. She noted that many young people suffer in silence due to fear of stigma or victimisation. According to her, the sensitisation has given students the courage and knowledge to speak up and support one another. She added that with the KASA Club in place, students now feel assured that they are not alone.
