The Centre for Young People Development and Poverty Alleviation Initiative (CYDPAN) has intensified efforts to combat sexual violence and empower teenage girls by organizing a sensitization program at Union Secondary School, Nsie, in Okobo Local Government Area. The event, held on Wednesday November 20, 2024, aimed to educate students on the dangers of sexual violence, equip them with knowledge to recognize and report abuse, and empower them to stand up for their rights.
A key highlight of the program was the establishment of the Speak Up Club, a pioneering initiative aimed at sustaining awareness and encouraging open dialogue on sexual violence prevention within the school. Through this platform, students are encouraged to report cases of abuse and advocate for a safe learning environment.
Speaking at the event, Mfoniso Isaiah, the lead facilitator emphasized the importance of breaking the silence surrounding sexual violence, urging the girls to be vigilant and supportive of one another. “It is our collective responsibility to protect ourselves and others. Reporting abuse is a step toward justice and prevention,” said Mfoniso.
The event also featured interactive sessions where students were taught practical ways to identify unsafe situations, build confidence to resist pressure, and seek help from trusted adults. As part of the initiative, CYDPAN donated vital resource materials to the school, including copies of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, referral pathway guides for survivors of sexual violence, and pamphlets detailing strategies for prevention and reporting abuse. These resources aim to empower students with the knowledge to protect themselves and others
Union Secondary School Vice Principal, Christiana Isemin Offiong, expressed gratitude to CYDPAN for their commitment to addressing issues affecting young girls. “This program is timely, essential and a lifeline for our students. It will undoubtedly create a ripple effect of change in our school and community, it not only raises awareness but also equips our students with the tools they need to face challenges with confidence,” She remarked.
Students actively participated in the interactive sessions, asking questions and sharing insights. Senior Prefect, Happiness Uduak Sunday, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I now understand how to recognize unsafe situations and where to seek help. The Speak Up Club gives us hope that we are not alone.” She described the session as eye-opening and empowering. Another participant, Regina Idaresit Udofia, a Senior Secondary Three (SS3) student, shared, “I’ve learned how to recognize the signs of abuse and that it’s okay to speak out. I feel more confident now.”
In his brief remark, CYDPAN Program Manager, Robert Boniface, underscored the significance of empowering young girls to take charge of their safety. “The Speak Up Club is not just a tool for awareness but a platform for empowerment. It will serve as a safe space for students to learn, share, and advocate for their rights,” he said.
CYDPAN has pledged to expand its sensitization programs to other schools in the region as part of its broader commitment to promoting gender equity, safety, and empowerment for young people.
