IWD: You have Equal Rights To Life, Opportunities, Protection Against GBV, Osun NAWOJ Tells Unity School Students
By Oluwaranti Ojewumi,
Secondary school students of Unity School Osogbo, Osun state have been informed of their equal rights to life, opportunities, and protection against gender based violence, by the state chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ.
Osun NAWOJ made the disclosure to the students at the International Women’s Day celebration, tagged Accelerate Action: one-day school sensitisation campaign on Tuesday.
Addressing the students, the NAWOJ Chairperson, Comrade Abisola Ariwodola pointed out the importance of bringing the awareness of the Beijing declaration in favour of the female gender to the future generation.
She stated that, just as stakeholders are advocating policies at one end, it is important to start informing the girl child about gender equality, opportunity, human rights, empowerment, gender based violence among others, so as to complement the efforts of the stakeholders.
Subjects such as Violence Against Persons Prohibition VAPP Law, harassment, rights to education, health care, protection among others was also discussed with the students.
Ariwodola told the school students to believe in themselves, “speak out about any issues, not to be intimidated, and to know their rights as the female gender and citizens of Nigeria.”
“The women journalists association will always support you, therefore be free to approach us on any matters arising, and we assure you that we will not disappoint you, because it is part of our objective to be your voice and to protect you.”
Gone are the days, when only the male gender have access to everything, nowadays, the female gender is important and also have the rights of access to everything, don’t be afraid, discover yourself and have a good future, – NAWOJ Chairperson charged the students.
The Principal of Unity School Osogbo, Mrs Abe appreciated NAWOJ Osun chapter, for deeming it fit to catch the younger generation early, by educating them on the rudiments of Gender equality, opportunities and empowerment, among others.
She applauded the knowledge shared on the VAPP Law of Osun state, as well the talk on breaking barriers and stereotypes, adding that the students are also excited to know about the government policies and laws, as well as stakeholders advocacy in their favour.
In the entourage of the Osun NAWOJ Chairperson at the IWD One-day school sensitisation campaign were excos and members of the association.