Preventing GBV

For many students, college is a positive and empowering environment that enriches their lives, but for those who experience sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, it can be debilitating and damaging. These forms of gender-based violence (GBV) create a public health and safety concern because of the host of physiological, psychological, and academic outcomes associated with student victimization.

In the midst of these promising and challenging times for students, activists and academics in Nigeria and beyond have been researching and campaigning on the issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in university communities. In the context of emerging research evidence and in the face of increasing public awareness and media attention on this problem, these are indeed the first steps towards acknowledging and addressing it in the university campuses.

The forgoing unveils the essence of adopting a two-faced comprehensive model. This model includes prevention and education programme that reflects a multi-tiered approach including primary prevention strategies in addition to education and awareness efforts.

Awareness campaigns

One in three women has suffered some form of gender-based violence in her lifetime. This statistic translates to a staggering 1 billion women globally who have been abused, beaten or sexually violated because of their gender. Every November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the world is reminded that gender-based violence continues to be a global epidemic with dire consequences for women, their families and entire communities. It leads to negative mental and physical health consequences for women and limits their decision-making ability and mobility, thereby reducing productivity and earnings. Beyond the individual harm, it also has substantial societal impacts. Global estimates suggest the cost of gender-based violence to be as high as 3.7 percent of GDP or $1.5 trillion a year.

To ensure that the above statistics and consequences are eliminated, constant awareness campaigns by student bodies can be a pivotal tool in the fight to reduce the prevalence of GBV in Nigeria. To ensure that individuals are capable of fully enjoying their rights and achieving their full potential, legal protection from violence is crucial. However, laws alone are not sufficient. Concerted action is needed to end violence against individuals. Campaigns like the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (Nov 25 to December 10) for instance, are critical in helping raise awareness of the issue. Student bodies can take advantage of this time of the year to execute programmes and strategies that can help mitigate and eliminate the existence of GBV on the university campuses.

Departmental and faculty orientation

This is one of the most potent ways to educate students, both male and female on GBV. During this event, students are more receptive to learn of the dangers in the university campuses as well as how to protect themselves and the assurance of justice for survivors. During the general school, faculty and departmental orientations, information will be shared among students on the mechanisms and institutions established for the protection of their rights, prevention of GBV and responding to any experience of GBV within the university campus. Information shared will also include names, location and contact details of mechanisms in the university campus established for responding to GBV cases.