Cameroon – Innocent School Girls Victimized by Conflicts, Attacks – Hoping for Safe, Secure Education & Future
Author: WUNRN
Date: November 6, 2015
DIGNITY TELEVISION – CAMEROON
Press Release – 24/10/15
Cameroon Innocent School Girls Victimized by Conflicts, Attacks – Hoping for Safe, Secure Education and Future
Cameroon might have been little known, but what is happening now matters and affects people around the world, including YOU. For over a year, conflicts and attacks has become a steady menu saved on the tables of Cameroonians for no fault of theirs. The extremist Boko Haram sect that declares western education forbidden has raised conflict and attacks especially on women and girls, to the level of fine arts. Trans-border incursions by rebels from Central African Republic have not helped matters either. And as if that’s not enough, the hegemonic culture of the Cameroonian that dehumanizes the woman and refuses the girl-child the right to enjoy her full potentials as a human being further compounds issues.
Such an environment that makes the education of girls almost impossible only begs for the following questions: Should any child be so scared of going to school because some other people have created a climate of fear and disrespect? Does any mother have to lose their child because of the cruelty of others? Does any child have to quit school because s/he does not find it safe enough? If YOUR answer is NO to all these questions, then you need to take action and be part of the solution.
‘The fear of being kidnapped, raped or attacked has made some of my mates to stay away from school. My courage to continue schooling only earned me more harassment from boys. I was raped twice by unknown individuals as I went to the school toilet some kms away from campus. Such things make my heart condition to suffer rapid heartbeats. I have become withdrawn and isolated and my grades have dropped’. These are the words of a survivor, Nain Seraphine, who now feels relieved that she found a platform, Dignity Television, to talk to.
How can we then combat this terrible evil and build a bully-free world for us, our kids and the generations to come? As part of activities marking this year’s 16 Days of Activism, we want to make Cameroon schools safer for girls and to create healing circles for survivors of physical, sexual and psychological attacks which are fundamental injustices that violate women’s rights. Functioning on the understanding that those who suffer abuse suffer further indignity by remaining silent, this online sacred space is a conflict-free community where girls freely exchange ideas and receive empowerment and safety tips. Take action and join us create a bully-free society so girls can stay in school till completion thereby achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs. Kindly click on the link to take action NOW at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ending-rape-and-assault-through-sms-web-reporting#/
CAMEROON GIRL- Poem by WUNRN
Cameroon Girl, your eyes sparkle with promise.
Your mind is clear and inquisitive.
You want to learn!
Cameroon girl, education is your human right.
You are a spirit of hope and opportunity
For your family, your community, your country.
Cameroon Girl, be not afraid, feel safe.
Cameroon schools will lead for secure education.
And end gender-based violence at school in Cameroon.
Cameroon girl, follow your dreams.
Stay in school; study well; keep good values.
You are special and important for the future of Cameroon.
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WUNRN
Categories: Releases