By: Ibrahim J. Conteh
Women in Action Development (WIAD) a Community Right Based Organisation, has described Gender Based Violence (GBV) as a canker which society must, as a matter of urgency, get rid of to protect the vulnerable.
The National Coordinator of WIAD, Madam Rosaline Pratt expressed the concern at a forum organised by her outfit for parents and pupils at the Wellington Community Center in Freetown on Wednesday 27th July 2022.
The forum aims at educating the pupils on the dangers of enduring abusive relationships, effects of sexual immorality and the need to desist from discriminating against persons living with HIV.
According to Madam Pratt, the rate at which teenagers has become sexually active lately is alarming; therefore, more efforts must be directed at introducing measures to salvage the situation.
Such immoral acts, she said, expose them to various forms of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and teenage pregnancy.
“When your dreams are shattered as a result of living irresponsibly, you become too vulnerable to the point that even when you find yourself in any form of abusive relationship, you will be unable to make the right decision of leaving,” she said.
She mentioned that all victims of domestic violence, especially women, must speak up and quit such toxic relationships while setting good examples for their children to follow.
“When you stay in abusive marriages, you teach your children the wrong things about life. Let them know that all forms of abuse are unacceptable,” she stressed.
Highlighting the dangers of acquiring STIs like HIV, she mentioned that it is very important for the pupils to remain innocent while focusing on their books “because HIV knows no age. It can affect anyone so reduce your risk by staying chaste.”
Mr. Santigie Sesay, a lawyer and advocate, in his submission sent a word of caution to individuals who physically or sexually abuse others, saying the laws of the country would deal squarely with them when they are found culpable.
He advised the pupils to take their academics seriously and always respect their parents and the elderly so that they could grow up to become responsible and successful members of the society.
“Stop having sex with persons under age 18 even if they consent to it. This is a crime punishable by law so the men who are fond of sleeping around with teenagers with the excuse that the young girls consented to the act must be very cautious. When we grab you we will not spare you, leave the children alone,” he added.
On her part, Ms. Henrietta Lebbie, a legal practitioner said it’s wrong for parents to force their pregnant teenagers into marriage to the individuals who got them pregnant.
This, she said, could affect the future of the child, as going to stay with an elderly man means an end to their education.
“Do not force any pregnant teenager into marriage, rather, allow them to stay with you to deliver and send them back to school to continue with their education afterwards. It is your duty as parents to guide them so that they do not make any more mistakes that could affect their future,” she underscored.
Chief Ya Alimamy Kaforr, advised the pupils against hesitating to report anyone who attempts to abuse them sexually to their teachers or any security personnel they know. Maintaining that the “Hands off Our Girls” campaign which was launched in December 2018, specifically to bring awareness and to eliminate such abuses like early childhood marriage, gender-based violence and rape is very personal to the First Lady and she feels passionate about its success.
Chief Ya Alimamy furthered that Her Excellency advocacy has had considerable success improving the quality of life for young girls and women in Sierra Leone and empowering them to speak out against being abused, evidenced by the increase in police department reports about rape and gender-based violence. Women’s and girls’ voices are now being heard when they report sexual predators and abusers in their homes and communities.