By Saheed Ibrahim
Female students have been charged to be cautious against sexual and other forms of violence and be bold to report such whenever they are victimised.
The charge was given to Fiwasaye Girls Grammar School, Akure by the Junior Chambers International, Akure Chapter, in collaboration with FIDA Nigeria, Ondo State Branch, on Friday.
Speaking with the girls, the President of JCI Akure, Mrs. Abímbólá Odoginyon advised the students to stand up against violence and always report to the right authorities when they are victimized.
She stressed the need for students to be careful with their acts and movements and never put themselves in any position that could give them away to being victimized.
She also advised them to take their career seriously and never consider themselves inferior to any gender, hence, must take their personal and career development seriously.
The Chairman, FIDA Nigeria Ondo State Branch, Catherine Ogunjebi sensitised the students on gender-based violence and how to seek help when the need arises.
She identified that violence can be physical, mental, psychological, cyber and sexual.
She explained that violence does not necessarily mean having non-consensual sexual intercourse with the victim but also by touching, intimidating and making the victim uncomfortable.
On how to protect against cyber violence, she advised the students to keep their phones locked always, avoid indiscriminate posting on the cyber space, be mindful of information they post on the internet and be careful who they make friends with on the internet.
“When strangers chat you up on the internet, do not reveal any private information about yourself.
Giving legal advice to the students, the Secretary FIDA Ondo State, Blessing Olanrewaju advised them not to keep quiet whenever there is any violence against them.
She charged them to report any violence to the police and other available authorities and never destroy any evidence that could be used to prosecute the culprits.
The FIDA secretary also warned the students to be vigilant, cautions and be careful where they go and whom they move with.
While saying females have become the most victims of human trafficking, the hotline to report any form of violence against the students were released – 07063365199
Reacting, the Principal of FGGSA, Mrs. Omobola T. Ojoge appreciated JCI and FIDA for taking out time to sensitise the students on important and contemporary issues.
The students were given the opportunity to ask questions and answers and help were provided.
