By Abasi Ita
Stakeholders addressing cases of sexual violence in academic institutions have called for effective measures to sustain progress in the fight against sexual abuse in schools.
The appeal was made on Wednesday during a One-Day Evaluation and Close-Out Session on Sexual Violence Prevention and Response in Academic Institutions, organized by Project Alert on Violence Against Women in collaboration with the Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI) and supported by the African Women Development Fund, held in Calabar.
In her opening remarks, Dr Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, Executive Director of Project Alert, commended the achievements of intervention programmes but emphasized the need for robust mechanisms to maintain momentum. She noted that the project, implemented in seven selected schools, has significantly increased awareness and strengthened the capacity of students, teachers, and parents to prevent and report abuses.
Welcoming participants, Mrs Ndodeye Bassey Obongha of Girls’ Power Initiative, the implementing partner, praised Project Alert for its effective collaboration in creating safe and conducive learning environments for students. She emphasized that such partnerships are vital to eliminating sexual exploitation not only in Cross River State but also in other hotspot areas.
During her preamble, Dr Glory Eteng, project consultant, explained that the intervention was prompted by the alarming rise in sexual abuse during the COVID-19 lockdown and statistics showing the prevalence of sexual exploitation in schools. She stressed the need for continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure the programmes remain effective.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Magdalene Ekpo, Head of Department, Safe School and Nutrition, Ministry of Education, lauded Project Alert for raising the profile of sexual awareness campaigns. She noted that the programmes have equipped students with essential knowledge on reporting abuses and preserving evidence, which are crucial for effective case management. Mrs Ekpo also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ongoing collaboration with stakeholders to strengthen synergies and eliminate sexual exploitation in schools.
Dr Mary Ogban of Special Education Secondary School in Calabar expressed appreciation for the KASA Project introduced by Project Alert. She said the KASA Club has empowered students to recognize warning signs, protect themselves from sexual abuse, report harassment, and develop a sense of belonging.
Also addressing the gathering, Mrs Abahi Azuma, Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Private Proprietors of Schools (NAPPS), called for practical strategies to sustain the achievements of intervention programmes and ensure long-term protection against sexual abuse in schools.
Students from selected secondary schools and higher institutions commended the facilitators of the initiative and urged policy continuity, community involvement, and sustained stakeholder collaboration to safeguard the safety and well-being of students across Cross River State’s educational institutions.