Student Leaders tasked to Combat Gender-Based Violence in Niger State.
From Our Correspondent.
In a significant effort to address Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in higher education institutions, leaders from various Student Union Governments (SUG) in Niger State have been urged to collaborate with their respective school authorities.
This call to action was made by Hafsat Kusherki, the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Desk Officer of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, during a training program designed to empower student leaders.
The training, organized by Global Promoters for Community Initiative (GPCI), highlighted the importance of raising awareness among students about reporting violence and advocating for survivors.
Kusherki stressed the need for SUG leadership to actively engage their peers in discussions about SGBV and to foster a culture of reporting and accountability.
Olasukanmi Kalejaiye, Project Coordinator of GPCI, encouraged the National Assembly to pass essential legislation against sexual harassment in tertiary education, underscoring the necessity of legal protections for women and students.
He also called on the Niger State government to enact the Gender Equal Opportunity Law and establish a commission dedicated to individuals with disabilities.
The event was attended by student leaders from five institutions, including the Federal University of Technology Minna and Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University. These leaders expressed the need for further training within their schools.
Their aim is to empower fellow students and victims of SGBV to speak up and seek justice through appropriate channels, contributing to a safer and more equitable educational environment.
