By Mustapha S Koli in LRR
As part of efforts to promote gender equality, women empowerment, and Skills Development, The Gender Education Unit, under The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE), with the mandate to coordinate, advocate and address gender issues in Education, with funding from UNESCO-NATCOM, on Wednesday, 1st March 2023 begins a three days sensitization and Awareness creation on the “Popularization of STEM and Digital Skills Education and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Training” for adolescence girls drawn from various Senior Secondary Schools.
The ceremony kicked-start at Central River Region.
In her opening Remarks, Madam IsatouJallow- Head of the Gender Unit at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education dilated on the effects of Sexual Gender Based Violence on the progress and holistic development of school children particularly, the girl child.
‘’ It is therefore imperative to raise the awareness of participants on Sexual and gender-based violence, the significance of Mathematics and Sciences in career development, and also to create a platform for experience sharing and also to enhance the reporting and management of Sexual Harassment in schools,” says Madam Jallow.
She added that the emergence of Digital Technology compounded the vulnerability of Girls in both the School and Community environments and therefore the need to provide them with vital information relating to sexual harassment as well as create a reporting platform to address impunity and promote litigations.
“I must add that this sensitization activity targeting girls from various Senior Secondary Schools to support and encourage their specialization and training in Mathematics and Sciences will provide an alternative for self-employment and income generation,” she said.
“However, despite the progress registered by Girls in the last GABECE and WASSC, there still exist challenges and gaps that need urgent attention,” she emphasized.
Deputizing for the Regional Education Director, Mr.Ebrima Jatta, Senior Education Officer, in his remarks dilated on the significance of the training.
Ajaratou Kumba Joof warned parents against the withdrawal of girls from school for marriage. This she said is a violation of their rights and welfare that also compromises their health and psycho-social well-being.
Mr. Mustapha Drammeh from the Gender unit of the Ministry, on his part, described girls’ education as a critical pillar and a driving force towards the attainment of Gender Equality and National Development.
