WACOL Charges Anambra Schoolboys to Break Harmful Gender Stereotypes, End Gender-Based Violence

By Praise Chinecherem

The Women Aid Collective (WACOL) has called on schoolboys in Anambra State to reject harmful gender stereotypes, embrace positive masculinity and become active advocates in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

The call was made during an awareness and sensitisation programme held at Comprehensive Science and Technical College, Nawfia, in Njikoka Local Government Area of the state.

The engagement was organised under the BUILD GRANT Project, funded by the Ford Foundation for West Africa, and brought together 40 boys aged 13 to 17 and 10 teachers from three secondary schools.

The participating schools were Comprehensive Science and Technical College, Nawfia; Community Secondary School, Umuokpu; and Union Secondary School, Amawbia.

Speaking at the event, WACOL’s Legal and Programmes Officer, Anambra Office, Ifeyinwa Lilian Ofodile-Nwafor, said the initiative was aimed at reshaping harmful perceptions of masculinity and empowering young boys to contribute meaningfully to the prevention of gender-based violence.

She emphasised the importance of raising boys who understand that respect, equality and non-violence are essential values in building a safer and more inclusive society.

According to her, engaging boys at an early age is crucial to challenging negative social attitudes and preventing behaviours that could encourage abuse, discrimination and violence against women and girls.

Participants received lessons on different forms of abuse, respect, consent, healthy relationships and appropriate ways to intervene safely or report cases of violence and harassment.

The programme featured interactive activities, including group discussions, role-play exercises and scenario analysis, designed to help the students understand how gender stereotypes influence behaviour and relationships.

Pre- and post-training assessments were also conducted to measure changes in participants’ knowledge, perceptions and attitudes towards gender roles and gender-based violence.

Beyond the sensitisation exercise, WACOL encouraged the establishment of school integrity and anti-GBV clubs to sustain the campaign and promote a culture of accountability, mutual respect and safety within the school environment.

Teachers from the participating schools were also designated as contact persons to support the initiative and provide guidance to students beyond the programme.

The initiative underscores the importance of involving boys and young men in efforts to prevent gender-based violence, promote gender equality and build communities where women and girls can live free from abuse and discrimination.
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