By Elizabeth Ameh
The torchlight has shifted to a new focus as the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Borno State Chapter engages in a special outreach at Yerwa Government Girls Secondary School in Maiduguri
Borno a state in the NorthEast, has been the epicenter of the Boko Haram insurgency that has lasted over a decade.The conflict has brought about numerous consequences on families and individuals within the communities,including women and children. In order to address this anomalies, it is important to provide women and girls of this community the tools to help them make informed decision and understand the importance of speaking out amidst challenges.
Hence, Nawoj Borno State deem it fit to visit Yerwa Government Girls Secondary in Maiduguri to provide talks to the girls on how to make informed choices, bridge the culture of silence, and feminine hygiene among others.
In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Borno State council, Hajiya Fatima Zanna commended the management of the Yerwa girls secondary school for gving Nawoj the privilege to host the event.
Speaking to the girls, she emphasized the need to break the culture of silence and report any gender based violence case like bullying, violence and other forms of abuse they may experience to the school management especially to their teachers.
Adding that when action is not taken they should report to NAWOJIANS since child protection is part of their activities inline with protecting the rights of children.
Other members, Tina Toro, Murjanatu Hassan, in their separate talks spoke on feminine hygiene and encouraged the girls to take proper care of themselves especially during their menstrual circle, always ensure they wash their clothes and under wears, stressing that personal hygiene is key.
Also during the visit, Nawoj emphasized the importance for these young individuals to lend their voices towards addressing issues faced by marginalized groups, important of speaking out amidst challenges of any kind and how their voices can be heard and also how they can use the media to promote positive change in the society.
To support the messages, Nawoj provided essential toiletries such as bathing and washin soaps and sanitary pads to the girls to show their love and support to them.
