United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), and Child and, Protection Network, (CPN), none Governmental organization Monday boasted to use every measure available to jail more rapists in Ebonyi state.
While condemning the increasing reports of rape in the state the due recalled that early 2020, they took up a rape case involving one Miss Chinaza and ensured that she got justice and vowed never to relent in sending the suspects to jail so that it will serve as a deterrent to other.
UNICEF and CPN spoke in Ishiagu, Ivo local government area of the state while addressing students of Girls Model Secondary School in the area during the 2020 International Day of the girl child.
The program with the theme “My Voice, Our Equal Future” was organized by the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the state partners and with support from UNICEF.
UNICEF desk officer, state Ministry of Women Affairs Mr. Emmanuel Nkwuda advised the schoolgirls to be bold report any form of violence against them to UNICEF focal person in the school to enable the organization take up the matter and fight for them.
He condemned some victims of the sexual violence who out of fear refused to speak up when they are violated which he said has affected them emotionally and psychologically.
Ebonyi state Coordinator of child protection network (CPN), Mrs. Flora Egwu described rape as a very rampant criminal act and urged the girls not to give in to any sexual advance or relationship that can result in sexual harassment.
Flora Egwu while addressing the students said the organization will always stand by a child survivor of any gender-based violence and protect such child from victimization.
She said “we are not just talking about FGM, if there is any other form of abuse these days, it is rape Rape is the main thing now, and if anybody wants to rape you, speak up, run away, don’t keep quiet.
“There are people that will speak for you, we will make sure that we jail anybody that rapes you, we will jail more rapists. We have fought for some girls. Early this year, we fought for Chinaza who was raped and the person who raped her is currently serving 5 years imprisonment after he was arrested and prosecuted through our efforts. We will make sure that more rapists are jailed.
“We will never leave the victim, we will continue to ensure that she gets justice whether rape or FGM”.
One of the students, Chigozie Aja said the program has equipped them with full knowledge on their rights and how to report any violation against them. She thanked UNICEF for supporting such an enlightenment program for students in the State.
