The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project in Zamfara State has called on adolescent girls not to relent in reporting any case of gender-based violence (GBV) occurring within their schools or communities.
The Gender-Based Violence Officer AGILE Project Zamfara, Hajiya Sadiya Shehu Kaura, made the call during the Dissemination of School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV) Safeguarding Guidelines and Code of Conduct for Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff, held in Gusau, the state capital.
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She urged students to promptly report any signs of violence, harassment, or exploitation to trusted persons, stressing that AGILE has already put in place several measures to ensure the protection of children and communities where the project is being implemented.
Hajiya Sadiya explained that, the dissemination exercise aimed to share the draft with stakeholders and staff members for adoption.
The AGILE officer warned that teachers and staff who violate the document’s provisions would be held accountable, noting that the initiative’s main goal is to prevent and mitigate cases of GBV in school environments.
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“The purpose of the presentation was to emphasise and equip all stakeholders, especially those in the education sector, with the knowledge and understanding of the School-Related GBV Safeguarding Guidelines and Code of Conduct”
She stressed the need for schools and educationists to ensure full implementation of the guidelines in all schools to mitigate the occurrence of GBV.
Hajiya Sadiya also advised teachers to carefully study the document, understand its contents, and strictly abide by all the rules and regulations contained in it.
The AGILE officer further advised parents to remain close to their children, especially during adolescence, which she described as the most dangerous stage for a child.
She urged parents to monitor their children’s movements, peer groups, and activities while listening attentively to them.
“Sometimes a child may want to share something very important with his or her parents, but out of fear of being ignored or harassed, the child keeps quiet. Parents must create room for open communication,” she stressed.
The AGILE officer also cautioned students to focus on their studies and avoid restricted or unsafe areas within schools.
“As part of its protective measures, AGILE has engaged relevant stakeholders including ministries, NGOs, CSOs, faith-based organisations, traditional and religious leaders, and security agencies in drafting the SRGBV Code of Conduct”
“The document was later reviewed by legal experts and Islamic scholars to ensure alignment with existing laws and Sharia principles before being validated as the official state SRGBV Code of Conduct”
The final version of the safeguarding document is now being disseminated to all affected institutions and stakeholders for full implementation.
The event was attended by various stakeholders.