By Debo Omilani, Lagos
As reactions continued to trail the rape allegation against COZA Pastor Abiodun Fatoyinbo, parents have been urged to give their female children sex education to reduce incidences of rape and sexual assault.
Speaking with PROMPT NEWS ONLINE reporter on sex abuse and steps parents should take to protect female children from being victims, Rita Abla Dugbenu, Gender Centre for Empowering Development and Alhaja Sherifah Hassan, a Matron, Waabilahi Taofiq Prayer Group in Lagos said educating female children would help them identify any sexual assaults and feel comfortable coming forward about it
Dugbenu said women are victims of sexual harassment and rape due to our marginalization in a highly patriarchal society.
“The issue of rape is an issue of power play and dynamics. I’m highly inspired by her strength and courage to tell her story. Rape victims usually find it difficult to tell their stories as a result of the stigma that comes with being raped in our society.
“It prevents victims from coming forward to report such acts to the Police. There’s the need to continually sensitize the populace to shun the stigmatization of rape victims, she said.
She further said that the society always blame and criticize rape victims instead of helping them in their quest to demand and fight for justice.
“People must be educated to know that, as citizens, we have a collective responsibility to protect the marginalized and vulnerable in society. I recommend that women should take bold steps to name and shame men who harass and abuse them.
” They must hold perpetrators of rape and harassment accountable. Our institutions must also work and not delay the process of helping victims attain justice.
In her reaction, Alhaja Hassan also opined that government, parents, religious bodies should take precautions against sexual Abuse against women in Nigeria.
“All and sundry should take precaution as against this issue of sexual harassment on women and Teenagers which has long been on the rampage. It’s pity that many parents did not know how far it had gone until this social media trending on the menace. Parents should pay more attention to their wards, she said.
She added that female children should be taught boldness to express any social abuse against them. “In time like this, nothing like Uncle, brother, or Neighbour. Teach your children to be bold so that they can speak back to anyone who tries to assault them.
“Parents should tell their children not to walk alone or visit a friend alone. We should imbibe and instil good character in our children at all times and they should trust nobody and be contented always, she advised
She also urged parents to always talk with children about consent throughout their lives.
