By Flowerbudnews
The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) has urged students of schools within Enugu State to speak out against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) at school, homes and public/private places.
Ms Helen Igboka, the Programme Component, Manager: Gender and Inclusion, GIZ Skills Development for Youth Employment (SKYE), German Federal Ministry for Economic Corporation, made the call during a one-day sensitisation workshop against GBV to students in Enugu on Monday.
The workshop, which was titled “Sensitisation on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) to Create a Safe Space for Girls and Boys to Thrive”, was part of activities marking the 16 Days Global Activism against GBV held between Nov. 25 and Dec. 10.
Igboka said the collaboration between GIZ, the Board for Technical Colleges, the Women Affairs Ministry, the police, and civil society organizations highlight the transformative power of partnership in addressing GBV and its impact on the communities.
She said, “This joint effort directly supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): advancing gender equality (SDG-5), ensuring access to quality education (SDG-4), and building inclusive, resilient communities (SDG-11).
“By fostering safe learning environments and equipping youth with life skills, we actively reduce poverty (SDG-1) and promote food security (SDG-2) through inclusive opportunities.
“Additionally, through this united collaboration, we exemplify SDG 17, emphasising the importance of partnerships in driving meaningful and sustainable change.
“As we engage today, let us renew our collective commitment to creating safe and inclusive spaces where every individual, regardless of gender, can access education, thrive and build a future free of violence.”
Speaking, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Ngozi Enih, emphasised the importance of having safe spaces within our educational institutions.
Enih, represented by the Permanent Secretary at her ministry, Mrs Ngozi Ewo, said the sensitisation would play a crucial role in empowering students and teachers to protect themselves and take action against GBV.
According to her, we are committed to ensuring a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone.
“Through the collaboration between the Enugu State Government and GIZ-SKYE, the event marks an important step towards combating GBV and promoting the well-being of students in Enugu State’s technical colleges.
“The partnership highlights the shared commitment to ensuring that every student, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive in an environment free from violence and discrimination,” the commissioner said.
In an address, the Chairman of the Enugu State Science Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board (STVSMB), Dr Amaka Ngene, said the programme demonstrates their unwavering commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and empowering environment for students and teachers.
According to Ngene, it is a vital part of our vision for the TVET sector in Enugu State – one where every student, regardless of gender, feels protected, valued and motivated to pursue their dreams without fear of harassment or discrimination.
She commended Gov. Peter Mbah for his visionary leadership and proactive measures in ensuring that schools in the state were sanctuaries of learning and growth.
The chairman said, “These included: the Safe School Initiative, which ensures fencing of 265 Smart Schools and safeguarding of school perimeters to protect students from external threats.
“The establishment of support systems such as school counseling units meant to provide psychological support for students affected by any form of abuse or violence.
“The civil society organizations, and international partners like the GIZ-SKYE programme, to address key challenge affecting education in the state.”
The STVSMB chairman noted that the event was another testament to the governor’s commitment to fostering a culture of zero tolerance for GBV in schools.
“Through this sensitisation programme, we teach the students, teachers and administrators about the dangers of GBV, its far-reaching effects and the need for a collective effort to eradicate it,” she said.
It would be recalled that the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) is a German Federal Enterprise with worldwide operations.
The organisation implements projects for the German Government, EU and other donors in international cooperation for sustainable development.
The GIZ-SKYE focuses on improving prospects of gainful employment for Nigerian youth in selected sectors of the economy and support establishment of an efficient TVET system, active labour market integration measures and enhanced cooperative structures between government institutions and private sector.
