The Abiodun Essiet Initiative for Girls (AEIG) has educated secondary school students in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on the need to speak up against Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV).
Mrs Abiodun Essiet, the Executive Director of the group said this on Monday in Abuja during a One-day sensitization programme organised by the group at Government Secondary School Yangoji Kwali-Abuja.
Essiet who was represented by Ms Josephine Emeghoghena, the groups’ Project Officer, said that it was more profitable to speak up against SGBV than to die in silence.
According to her, when anyone decides to be silent when being abused or not report a perpetrator, such person promotes SGBV indirectly.
“It is better to speak up and get help than to remain silence and die or you will continue to be abused.
“That is why we are taking this time to teach you teenagers and young adults on the need to speak up when abused or where you see someone being abused.
“If you see something, you must say something
“Whether the person is in your house, in the school premises, in your class room, in the market, anywhere, once you see something, you must say something,” she said.
Essiet urged students to report to the appropriate authorities in the school and to seek guidance and counseling.
Mrs Rukaiya Adaviruku, the school principal during her remark to the students said that they must know their rights in other to know when they are being abused.
Adaviruku said that herself and other teachers in the school were ready to listen and proffer help to anyone who was being abused either in the school or at home.
“That is why sensitisation such as this is also very important both for you students and for us teachers.
“We appreciate the Abiodun Essiet Initiative for Girls for coming to educate and enlighten the students on SGBV.
“This is because SGBV is a very important issue in our society and students are very easy to fall victims.
“I appeal to you all to always speak up when you see something, tell any of the teachers, even if you are being abused at home.
“Come to me and tell me, and we will inform the appropriate authorities and help you out of thay situation, ” she said.
Highlight of the event was the selection of the schools Anti-SGBV Students Ambassador who were saddled with the responsibility of engaging other students on SGBV related matters in the school.