AFA Trains Gender Desks Officers in Imo   

Gender Desks Officers of the Nigerian Police, Imo State  University and FUTO Directors of Centre for Gendre Studies have been trained on “Systemic Approach To Addressing Sexual Harassment in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions by the Alliances for Africa in partnership with the Co- Impact.

  In her address, at the workshop that held at the Rockview Hotels, Owerri , Wednesday, the Executive Director, Alliances for Africa, Ms Iheoma Obibi applauded operatives of the Imo Police command and Centres  for Gender Studies of various universities for participating in the seminar.

   She noted, that male and female ones in the higher institutions of learning have been harassing one another hence they had come with the programme to make a positive impact in the society.

    “Most of them are traumatized, there is need to talk to them”, she said.

     Speaking, Prof. Sam Ezeanyika, the Board Secretary of Alliance for Africa, noted, the programme was aimed at ensuring that sexual harassment is stopped in the universities, adding that the organizers have always risen against sexual harassment.

    Earlier,  the Director of Programs, Ms Blessing Duru in her short speech, said  purpose of the seminar, was to establish a functional Linkage and collaboration between the two Systemic agents against sexual harassment, and strengthening institutional capacity to provide survivor- centred support and services.

    In her teachings entitled, “Understanding gender roles, Gender -based violence, and Response”, Mrs Juliet Olumuyiwa-Rufai described ” “Gender” as a man or woman, and defined Gender-based violence as an abuse on a man or a woman based on the person’s sex.

  According to her, Power, violence, human rights, informed consent, harm, coersion, and sex are gender – based violence are concept of abuse.

    She listed types of Gender – based violence such as, defilement, rape, sodomy, exploitation, punching, killing, maiming, hitting, biting, scalding and heating.

   “Emotional abuse such as denial of food, resources, opportunities, education, forced labour, exclusion, forced marriage, female genital mutilation.

   She further said, that Survival Centered Approach is the security consciousness being put in place for the safety of individual.

     Speaking on “Ethical consideration of dealing with survivors of GBV”, the guest lecturer noted that injuries heal without leaving scars and there could be an abuse without bruises, and made a case for the establishment of Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Owerri.

  The Commissioner of Police, Imo Police Command, CP Aboki Danjuma , represented by SP Ifeyinwa Udeogu,  Said, that the command has remained committed in the fight against sexual harassment in the Tertiary Institutions in the State.

   “The Imo Police command is excited to have the this workshop done. We are always eager to have the message delivered, and ensure it is curtailed”.

   The CP used the opportunity to applaud the organizers, Alliance for Africa and therefore urged them to keep it up.

 Speaking, a former member of the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Uju Onwudiwe, lauded Police officers, Alliance for Africa for organizing the the programme.

    She also eulogized the Imo first Lady, Barr. Chioma  Uzodimma for pleading with the Governor, Hope Uzodimma for giving nod to the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition), VAPP.

  In an interview with one of the participants, Ifeanyi Iroka, a Police officer from the command headquarters, Owerri expressed joy for participating in the workshop.

   “I am grateful to the Alliances for Africa for organizing this Linkage Workshop and systematic approaches on addressing harassment  for us to be equipped ways we, Desks Officers could address the issues.

  In her vote of thanks,  SP Anita thanked the AFA for organizing the programme and said they gained a lot from iti