Gender-Based Violence in Schools: A Call for Accelerated Action.
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By Raymond Enoch
In a powerful address delivered at the International Women’s Day celebration held at Osogbo Grammar School Mega Hall, Mrs. Agnes Tola-Winjobi spotlighted the urgent need to tackle gender-based violence in schools.
In her speech, titled “Accelerating Action; Curtailing Gender-Based Violence in School”, underscored the alarming prevalence of school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) and called for immediate and comprehensive actions to address it.
This year’s Women’s Day observance was especially significant, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a pivotal document in advancing women’s and girls’ rights globally. Mrs. Tola-Winjobi, in her speech, emphasized that while March 8th marked the official celebration, the fight for gender equality and the protection of women and girls from violence must continue year-round.
Drawing attention to the forms of SRGBV that affect both students and teachers, she described how physical, psychological, sexual, and cyber violence often go unnoticed or unreported. The speech highlighted toxic masculinity, poor academic performance, substance abuse, and a lack of teacher training as major risk factors for SRGBV. She noted that these acts of violence not only hinder the victims’ education and personal development but also perpetuate a cycle of social and economic deprivation for families.
Mrs. Tola-Winjobi outlined critical steps for curbing SRGBV in schools, stressing the importance of breaking the silence. Key recommendations included creating safe spaces for students to report violence, training teachers and counselors to recognize early warning signs, and engaging NGOs to raise awareness. Moreover, she called for a curriculum overhaul that includes SRGBV education and stronger legislation to punish offenders.
She also highlighted the need for early value re-orientation in children, urging parents to instill principles of respect and empathy, as well as the need for schools to actively participate in seminars and debates on gender-based violence.
“Together, we can create an environment where all students, regardless of gender, feel safe and valued,” Mrs. Tola-Winjobi concluded, leaving the audience with a renewed sense of responsibility in the fight against gender-based violence.
In response to this call for action, the audience, which included students, teachers, and members of the community, expressed their commitment to making schools safer and more inclusive for everyone. The event ended on a note of unity and determination, reinforcing the message: Up School! Up Gender Equality!
