A non-governmental organisation, WABMA Foundation, in collaboration with some religious leaders, has launched a programme on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) across Southeast schools to curb the menace and create awareness among youths.

The foundation held sensitisation campaigns in Anambra, Abia, and Enugu States, educating secondary school students and administrators on SGBV prevention, reporting mechanisms, and the dangers of drug abuse as a contributing factor.

The school outreach marked a continued commitment by the foundation to bring SGBV advocacy to schools, equipping young people with needed tools to understand, resist, and report abuse.

The mission of WABMA Foundation is to eradicate SGBV by investing in community-based education and empowering the next generation to become change agents in their schools and communities.

The sensitisation exercise featured respected religious and cultural figures, who served as advocates and educators, bridging cultural authority and moral clarity to address the multifaceted issues surrounding SGBV.

During the programme, there were sessions on SGBV prevention strategies for students and adults, how to report cases safely and effectively, raising awareness on the prevalence of SGBV in schools and communities, and the link between substance abuse and increased risk of sexual violence.

At the event, several students shared reflections on how they intend to use the knowledge gained to create awareness among their peers and prevent future incidents of assault. School principals and proprietors applauded the initiative, citing its timeliness and importance.