LIFE celebrates “The Day of the African Child” by sensitizing students from colleges on GBV
By Onome Naomi
Leadership Initiative for Youth Empowerment continued campaign and sensitization of youths on GBV recently hosted students from seven colleges in commemoration of “The Day of the African Child,” held on June 21, 2024, in a bid to promote awareness on gender-based violence and protection laws guiding survivors in Lagos.
The Lagos State Domestic Violence Law was established in 2007 and is aimed at allowing children the right to justice against abuses of various forms.
About seven schools in Lagos were educated on the various abuses stemming from GBV and the protection laws guiding survivors against abusers. The list of schools that participated includes:
Ajumoni Senior Grammar School, Okota Grammar School, Okota Senior High School, Jaimurie College, Ijeshatedo Senior Grammar School, Central Senior Grammar School, Okota Senior Secondary School..
The sensitization program commenced as the Executive Director of LIFE, Abiodun Rufus, enlightened the students on the impact of GBV on individuals (students) and the community. She said;
“GBV stands for gender-based violence, and it is targeted at the weaker vessel. The act of GBV is common in today’s society, but many are not aware it is an act of abuse that should be discouraged in the family or community.”
“Sexual violence, economic violence, physical violence, emotional abuse, psychological violence, domestic violence, assault, and others can generally affect the educational performance and overall wellbeing of a child, leading to mental instability and underdevelopment.”
“Many countries in Africa create perfectual communities where men dominate the family and wield all the power. There is a need to promote gender equality and equity as one way of stopping GBV.”
“Most importantly, a legal framework to support survivors of GBV with a holistic approach should be established. People need access to counselling and legal support. Education and awareness are also important to curb the excesses portrayed by GBV. It is our responsibility as individuals or organisations to vanquish GBV.”
In addition, Abiodun noted that GBV is a global issue, as world leaders also discuss solutions. Stereotyping and limiting both genders to a particular role or job should be abolished. Individuals should serve as mandated reporters of GBV in the community. Also, enlighten others that there are authorities established to address such acts. LIFE, she says, provides access to counselling to help subdue the negative impact of GBV on survivors, amongst other support services rendered.
Laura, crisis care coordinator of LIFE in commemoration of “The Day of the African Child,” educated the students on recognising the signs of trauma and mental health issues amongst youths. In her words,
“Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being, which
affects how we think, feel, and act, while mental illness covers a wide spectrum.
ranging from: long-term worrying, anxiety
Stress, self-harm, and suicide. Mental health and mental illness Health can sometimes refer to mood disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and
anxiety disorder.”
“Childhood trauma (physical and sexual abuse), especially in a repetitive form, is detrimental to the mental health of a child. Other states of mental health involving stress, academic pressure, trauma in the environment, and relationships can also affect our mental health adversely.”
“We can help our own mental health by means of a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), which exposes survivors to the causes and effects of our mental health by identifying triggers, creating coping skills, and providing a support network.”
“The steps to take when there is a breakdown in mental health are; to ask for support, create a safe space, practice coping skills, and review a wellness recovery action plan.
Mental health is one’s state of mind. Domestic violence is not normal, but when a child gets disciplined for an irresponsible act, it’s normal. For sexual violence, society blames the affected rather than helping, a very wrong approach that affects the child while they are growing up. Any child who needs help should not be afraid to speak up and ask for it. Laura educates and advises students.
Read Also;LIFE leads campaign to schools, sensitize on GBV and proactive measures within the student community
The highlight of the Day of the African Child event created by LIFE is the quiz on current affairs delivered by Muoghalu Bunmi (Communication Officer), debate on the topic: Does domestic violence have any negative impact on the mental health of children? orchestrated by Oge Stephen (programme officer) and a drama presentation promoting gender equality directed by Oluwatoyin Mokwe (monitoring and evaluation officer) and LIFE volunteers with participants from the various schools.
