As part of efforts towards addressing the issue of sexual harassment against young girls in Atewolara community in Mushin, a group of trained Girl Leaders from the Rise Up/Cummins Girls Voices Initiative (GVI) advocacy programme organized an interactive dialogue with key stakeholders and community members.
Speaking at the meeting, Girl Leader Oladeji Omotomilola, stated that sexual harassment is one of the most devious, yet pervasive, forms of violence that affects young girls, especially those living in low-income neighbourhoods. She also shared that findings from the focus group discussions conducted with girls from the community confirmed that the practice is very rampant, as many of them have been subjected to catcalls, touched without permission by strangers, as well as insulted with sexualized words.
Contributing to the discourse, the representative of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Olosan Police Station Mushin, S.P. Ishola Olaitan O. said that sexual harassment is a crime punishable by the law and anyone reported and caught will be tried at the court of Law.
Also, Honorable Mujeeb Ayinde Daramola who represented the chairman of Odiolowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), said there is a need to put in place preventive measures towards reducing sexual harassment in the community. He enjoined parents to advise their children and instil good moral values.
Following this meeting, the GVI Girl Leaders will commence awareness campaigns and education with different groups in the community in March 2020 towards ending sexual harassment in Atewolara.
Girls Voices Initiative (GVI) is a programme that aims to strengthen girl-led advocacy efforts in equity, equality, rights, education, health and wellbeing of girls in Lagos State. The programme is supported by Rise Up and Cummins.
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