By EZEKIEL DONTINNA
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), ‘Silent Voices’ has, in collaboration with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) College, Jos, launched an aggressive campaign against Gender Based Violence (GBV) going on in tertiary institutions in Plateau State to help arrest the increasing cases of harassment in schools.
This took place recently, to mark the International Women’s Day celebration, held at the NTA College’s Auditorium, Jos, the state capital, where students of the college converged en-masse to witness the event.
The chief convener of the campaign, Nanji Nandang said, ” ‘End Sex For Grades’ campaign in Plateau State tertiary institutions under Silent Voices, is a radio programme that amplifies the voices of women and girls, especially those affected by Gender Based Violence.
“Sex For Grades” is one issue we do not look at when we talk about GBV. It is not new to us because most of us past through the school system and we heard the stories from either friends, sisters and that’s apart from a lot of things that happened behind closed doors in the confines of the school. But people do not talk about it for whatever reason.
“We want to encourage students to start speaking up because they have a right to study in a secured environment. They are supposed to feel free and comfortable. We are going to mount signboards with numbers in all the institutions so that they can call and report anonymously”, she disclosed.
Nandang, however thanked God that they were collaborating with NTA College and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), to ensure that this was taken seriously through campaigns and reporting of any act of molestation against students in the tertiary institutions.
On his part, the Chairman of the Committee, ‘End Sex For Grades Campaign’, Samaila S. Yaro, said their aim was to end harassment which has been on the increase in tertiary institutions. He explained that “The campaign is to give the victims confidence and boldness to speak out where they have been harassed or asked for sex in exchange for grades, despite their hard work in classes.
“My message to all the students is to speak out against human rights violation so as to get help because the world is big enough to listen to them. They should know that human rights association is there to take up their case, along with other sister agencies to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book”, he assured.
Meanwhile, the representative of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mrs. Kyenpya Mafuyai, who is the Director, Legal of the commission, described the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day celebration: “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress” as apt considering the role women played in the society.
She said, “When you invest in women, you are directly impacting the lives of both women and children. Investing in women also builds up men because it is the women that raise the men and partner with them to achieve success. So, investing in women builds up everybody. Do not despise your girl -child or woman. Give them a space, inspire them and our society will benefit maximally”, Mafuyai encouraged.
