Jira Yagbonwura BiiKunuto Jewu Soale I, Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom has noted that prevention, support, and protection of women are critical in addressing sexual harassment and Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Senior High Schools.
Jira Yagbonwura BiiKunuto said GBV was significantly impacting students, teachers, and staff in the education sector and must be addressed by all stakeholders.
Jira Yagbonwura BiiKunuto added the rights of women at all levels must be respected to help them contribute to the growth and development of the area.
Jira Yagbonwura BiiKunuto Jewu Soale I made the remarks when leadership and students of Damongo SHS (DASS) paid a courtesy visit to brief him about the school’s program on the 16 Days of Activism for Safer Schools Campaign against Gender-Based Violence in Secondary Schools.
Jira Yagbonwura BiiKunuto also commended the management, staff and students of Damongo SHS for embarking on the sensitization to upgrade the skills and knowledge of students and the public on Gender Based Violence (GBV) and related activities.
He appealed to traditional authorities, clergy, and imams to use their palaces to sell the messages at their respective palaces when they get back to help curb Gender Based Violence and related issues.
Kpembewura Ndefeso Banbagne IV, the Paramount Chief of Kpembe Traditional Area delivered the Yagbonwura BiiKunuto Jewu’s message.
Mbitawurchea Alijata Haruna, the Director of Gender Desk in the West Gonja municipality of the Savannah region and a Queen Mother under Damongo Traditional Area, said the 16 Days of Activism for Safer Schools Campaign against Gender Based Violence in Secondary Schools is a good initiative and must be embraced by all.
She said girls at senior high schools need sensitization, support, and protection to become successful.
She noted that such initiatives would also empower students to speak out if they experienced any form of abuse. And the need to provide safe and confidential reporting channels, counseling services, and guidance support for survivors at all levels of education, particularly at the school level is necessary.
The leadership of Damongo SHS expressed gratitude to Yagbonwura BiiKunuto for granting them access to his palace and said Gender Based Violence is something affecting girls and women across the Gonja Kingdom and the issue must be addressed by all stakeholders to help promote the rights of girls. It is therefore, imperative for stakeholders and teachers to integrate GBV prevention into the curriculum.
The school called on all stakeholders, including parents, to join the efforts in combating GBV and stressed the need for continued support from development partners, especially in terms of capacity building for both students and teachers to prevent sexual harassment.
The Safe Schools Programme, which was introduced by GES in 2018, aims to eliminate all forms of violence against children in schools, ensuring a safe and conducive environment for teaching and learning.
The theme for this year’s campaign is “Safe Spaces, Empowered Voices, Ending Sexual Harassment in our Schools.”
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, observed annually from November 25 to December 10, is a global initiative that urges governments, policymakers, and other stakeholders to unite, reflect, and take decisive action to address issues affecting the well-being of children.
The program was held on December 6, 2024 with a float on the principal streets of Damongo.
Abdulai Zulkaninu/0242381890
