Gender Based Violence Awareness and Prevention Programmes

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Summary

GBV is a social ill that is rooted in gender inequality and continues to be one of the notable violation to human rights within society. The university residences are not immune to this problem and it becomes necessary to discuss the issues surrounding GBV in a professional, and yet relaxed setting, and to discourage the culture of acceptance of this social problem, more especially because in most cases, it results to losing lives.

We exist in a space that is a dwelling to thousands of students. They spend most of their time in residences than in lecture theatres or their homes. These students are vulnerable and exposed to all kinds of horrific and terrible experiences, particularly of violence towards women. Some experience violence at home others experience it spaces they call home (residences). This is to say students are part of the broader society thus, it is not surprising to see them engaging in acts resembling that of a broader society. However, such conduct is condemned in academic and residential spaces within the ambits of the university.

It is for this reason, that Residence Life Coordinators in collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders thought it ideal to incorporate Gender Based Violence Awareness and Prevention Programmes. Due to the increase in the number of cases as reported by RAs and RMS RLCs engaged in a series of Training Workshops meant to assist RAs not only to understand what GBV is, but to address it via Residence Life Programmes so as to conscientise students and help prevent it. Below are pictures of Training Sessions workshops in the form of res life programmes across campuses.

It is worth mentioning that, the topical issue has been prioritized and has been implemented regardless of challenges of Covid19 pandemic. RLCs pursued the virtual option via Zoom to ensure that this issue in not neglected.