GVO Trains Learners on Reproductive Health and Gender-Based Violence Prevention

By Roselyn Oboy

Global Voices Organization (GVO) has conducted a two-day awareness campaign on reproductive health and gender-based violence (GBV) for learners in Gumbo Shirikat, aimed at equipping adolescent girls and boys with knowledge on personal safety, puberty, girls’ education, and reporting cases of abuse.

The training, held at Gumbo Primary School and New Generation School, covered gender-based violence, early marriage, denial of education for girls, reproductive health, and personal hygiene.

Global Voices Organization Advocacy Officer Viola Keji George said the initiative was designed to address gaps in adolescents’ awareness of gender-based violence and ensure they know where and how to seek help.

“We realized there is a gap in awareness among adolescent girls and boys about gender-based violence in the community. Schools provide the best platform to reach young people, which is why we partnered with the school administration to conduct this awareness,” George said.

Teachers welcomed the initiative, saying it would help learners make informed decisions as they navigate adolescence.

One teacher urged learners to report any form of abuse or violence to trusted adults, including parents, teachers, police officers, community leaders, and religious leaders.

“If you see something wrong happening, don’t keep quiet. Report it because silence allows violence to continue. Speak up for yourself and also for those who cannot speak for themselves,” the teacher said.

The teacher added that gender roles are socially constructed expectations of men and women and should never be used to justify discrimination or violence.

Another teacher commended Global Voices Organization for promoting reproductive health education, saying the sessions would help learners better understand personal hygiene, puberty, and ways to protect themselves during adolescence.

“We appreciate Global Voices for conducting this awareness. We want our girls and boys to understand personal hygiene and know how to protect themselves as they reach puberty and adolescence,” the teacher said.

Learners also shared what they gained from the training.

One learner said respect, positive behaviour, and self-control during adolescence were among the key lessons.

“Respect is the most important thing in life. When you are in school, focus on your studies. During puberty, you need to control yourself and make decisions that will help you achieve your future goals,” the learner said.

School officials appealed to Global Voices Organization to extend similar awareness sessions to more learners, saying the knowledge would help prevent gender-based violence, discourage early marriage, promote reproductive health, and keep more girls in school.

The organization said strengthening awareness among adolescents is essential to protecting children from abuse, empowering girls to stay in school, and building safer communities where young people can confidently report violence and access support services.