The MTN Ghana Foundation launched its observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence by engaging with students at the New Asafo Basic and Junior High School (JHS) in Asokwa, Kumasi, on Tuesday.
Background:
The global campaign, known as the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, runs annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day).
This period is dedicated to galvanizing action to end violence against women and girls around the world.
The initiative calls for the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.
Sensitization:
The primary goal of the MTN Foundation’s event was to sensitize the students against the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV), with a specific focus on violence perpetrated against females, particularly school-aged girls.
Mr. George Kyei Frimpong, Education Portfolio Advisor for the MTN Foundation, addressed the pupils, urging them to cultivate a respectful and supportive environment.
He admonished the students, especially the boys, to treat their female colleagues and friends with dignity and shun all tendencies that foster discrimination or marginalization against females within the school setting.
Cyberbullying and Digital Safety:
Mr. Frimpong also highlighted the growing challenge of cyberbullying stemming from the increased use of the internet among young people.
He noted that this online abuse often spills over to affect their behavior and emotional well-being in real life.
Critically, he revealed that most of these gender-based digital attacks are disproportionately targeted at females.
“The MTN Foundation is deeply committed to halting this creeping canker including digital violence which seems to flood the internet and social media pages,” the representative stated.
He noted that, “this 16 Days of Activism campaign is intended to create awareness amongst pupils so that they will grow to abhor and actively oppose such violence, just as MTN does.”
Debate:
A key feature of the sensitization exercise was an engaging debate competition between the students.
Three female JHS students debated against three male JHS students on the motion: “Teaching boys and girls the same content will prevent violence.”
Summary:
Precious Amoako, Freda Adomako, and Bridget Yeboah argued that educational equality in content would significantly contribute to instilling discipline and preventing gender-based violence by fostering mutual respect and equal understanding of roles.
Desmond Owusu Kakari, Lucky Asafo Agyei, and Nowell Ayiyona Abugre who were Against the motion insisted that while content equality is important, it does not automatically translate to effectiveness in preventing violence, suggesting that other factors like social environment and distinct emotional intelligence training are necessary.
After three rounds of persuasive arguments and counter-arguments, the girls’ team secured the victory, earning 842 points against the boys’ 820 points.
Support for ICT Education:
The MTN Foundation acknowledged the efforts of all the debaters by presenting them with branded rewards, including t-shirts, pens, and books.
Furthermore, to support the school’s long-term educational goals, the Foundation made a significant donation to the New Asafo Basic and JHS school’s computer lab.
The items included tablets and other computer lab equipment to bolster the pupils’ Information and Communication Technology (ICT) learning.
Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie,
Kumasi
