Copyright leadership
A development advocate and sustainability professional, Irene Oluwashina, has charged students, especially young girls, on the need to understand their rights, speak up against gender-based and tech-facilitated abuse as well as learn how to report safely. Oluwashina gave the charge as part of her mission to end all forms of gender-based violence through education and empowerment programmes across Lagos schools. Speaking to students of Ogunmode Senior College in Epe, Lagos State recently on “Ending Abuse and Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence,” Oluwashina said the sensitisation was to engage students, particularly young girls on issues of sexual violence, consent and digital safety. She drew the conversation from the tragic story of 13-year-old young girl, Ochanya Ogbanje from Benue State, who suffered years of sexual abuse at the hands of her guardian and his son. “This case remains a painful reminder of the consequences of silence and the urgent need for justice. Ochanya’s story represents too many untold stories of girls suffering in silence,” Oluwashina said. “Every girl deserves to know that her body is her own, her voice matters, and there are safe systems in place to protect her. We are committed to ensuring that no girl feels alone or powerless again.” The programme also addressed the rising threat of technology-facilitated abuse where students were equipped with practical knowledge on identifying online predators, maintaining digital safety, and reporting incidents to relevant authorities. Oluwashina encouraged victims to immediately report abuse cases to government agencies such as the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Health Environment Education and Development (HEED) Initiative and other response centres. “Our goal is not just awareness but prevention,” Irene added. “By empowering girls early and involving communities, we are building a safer, more just society for all.”
