Victor EzejaEnugu State government has approved the integration of Gender-based Violence prevention Studies into the curriculum of basic schools in the state as part of efforts to tackle GBV challenges.
This comes two years after the initiative was birthed by the Global Initiative for Development, Care of Women and Youths (GIDCOWAY).
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAside from being approved by the Enugu State Ministry of Education, the initiative has also witnessed significant steps towards its implementation.
The integration of Gender-Based Violence Prevention Studies into Enugu State Schools’ curriculum is part of a broader objective of mainstreaming GBV issues in a more sustainable way to tackle the menace, especially from an ideological and pedagogical approach.
A meeting organised by GIDCOWAY, at the Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development Hall, Enugu on Wednesday, brought together diverse stakeholders for a comprehensive review and harmonisation of the curriculum on gender-based violence prevention studies for Enugu State schools.
In her opening remarks, Executive Director of GIDCOWAY, Mrs. Ngozi Eboh, narrated how the idea was born and stakeholder meetings and advocacy to push for its approval.
Mrs Eboh explained that the curriculum has specific provisions for every level of basic education in line with the needs of children.
She appreciated all who were instrumental in enabling the vision including the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Ngozi Enih, and other critical stakeholders.
The event brought together seasoned Women’s rights organisations, law enforcement agencies, Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Enugu State, including the Ministries of Education, Health, and Gender Affairs.
Declaring the meeting open, Director Gender Affairs, Mrs Esther Mbah, who represented the Commissioner for Gender, said it is a noble initiative and has all the necessary support from the ministry. She hailed GIDCOWAY for initiating the project, stressing that it will go a long way in deepening knowledge of GBV prevention.
On his part, Barr. Georgina Ikwueze, Director of Education Resource Centre, Ministry of Education, who represented the Education Commissioner in the state, highlighted the importance of the initiative.
READ ALSO: CSOs Call For Synergy In Tackling GBV Cases In Enugu State
Ikwueze chaired the brainstorming session. Under her expert guidance, the stakeholders were divided into three groups, each tasked with reviewing specific educational levels. Group 1 brought fresh perspectives on foundational learning for Basic 1-3, complete with engaging songs for our youngest learners; Group 2 structured the building blocks of GBV understanding for Basic 4-6, while Group 3 worked on crucial elements for Basic 7-9, ensuring no child is left behind, including those with special needs.
In her closing remarks, Mrs Eboh expressed gratitude to the Enugu State Governor’s wife, Nkechinyere Mbah, Saferworld and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Nigeria (WILPF), for their support of the project.
According to the GIDCOWAY executive director, another meeting will be convened to complete the final phase of the curriculum review process and subsequent ratification and use.
“We look forward to reconvening to complete this vital review process. The willingness and dedication shown by all stakeholders promise even more productive sessions ahead.
“This isn’t the end – it’s just the beginning of a new chapter in our fight against gender-based violence. Together, we’re not just changing a curriculum; we’re changing lives,” Eboh stated.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
