The 16-Day Activism program aims to empower youth by raising awareness and educating them on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
AHF successfully concluded its quarter with a final sensitization/competition event, marking the culmination of the 16-day activism program on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in youths and schools. The program aimed to raise awareness about various forms of violence, including bullying, sexual harassment, boy child preference, child trafficking, psychological and structural violence, female mutilation, and child battery, among others.
The sensitization program, facilitated by Kate Duru, featured volunteer facilitators Barrister Temitope Agbolahan and Ms. Serena Idehen. On the 10th of December 2021, the event took place at the Ibeju Local Government and engaged over 3000 youths, with a total of 150 students from 18 secondary schools participating. From these, 40 students from 5 schools were selected for the final competition, consisting of 5 girls and 3 boys from each school.
During the competition, arts exhibitions, renditions, and articles were presented and scored by judges – an internal judge and an external judge, Ms. Emem Alexander. The sensitization program commenced at approximately 2:37 pm and concluded at 5:40 pm, with the announcement of winners. The first position was secured by IWEREKUN Community Junior High School, followed by Senior High School MAGBON SEGUN in second place, and IWEREKUN Community Senior High School in third place.
To reward the winning schools, cash prizes of N20,000, N15,000, and N10,000 were awarded, respectively. These funds are intended to be utilized in creating permanent posters on GBV at the entrance of their respective schools. Additional participants included MAGBON ALADE Senior Grammar School and Community Junior High School Lekki.
The event also featured a guest appearance by one of our Community-based Organizations (CBOs) from Epe Women. Following the competition, on Monday the 13th, a follow-up visit was made to the winning schools. During this visit, further interactions took place with the SS 3 girls, focusing on personal hygiene. Additionally, 150 hygiene packs were distributed to the students.
Overall, the sensitization program aimed to empower youth and schools by equipping them with knowledge and understanding of SGBV issues, fostering awareness and encouraging actions to combat violence in all its forms.