A non-governmental organisation, Teenage Network in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory Education Secretariat have unveiled the sexual violence reporting and management framework for schools in the nation’s capital.

The unveiling, which was done by the Mandate Secretary, FCT Education Secretariat, Dr Danlami Hayyo, was attended by All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS); National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Parent Teachers Association (PTA); International Non-governmental Organisations (INGOs); Civil Society Organisations; school administrators, students and the media.

Executive Director, Teenage Network, Olanike Timipa – Uge said the framework would create a safer and more supportive learning environment for learners across the over 2,000 public and private schools in the FCT.

She said: “Every child deserves to learn in an environment free from fear and violence. The framework is a testament to the FCT education secretariat and Teenage Network’s commitment to protecting learners and creating a culture of zero tolerance for sexual violence in schools.

“It is a simplified and comprehensive document which was developed by the FCT Education Secretariat with support from Teenage Network, an adolescent – serving non-profit leading gender transformative education advocacy in Nigeria and the African Women Development Fund (AWDF).

Timipa – Uge explained that the framework was designed over a period of 18 months after series of consultations and review with stakeholders on the existing sexual violence- related documents in Nigeria.

During the period, she said the organisation discovered that 62 per cent of girls who experienced sexual violence in schools didn’t report it.

“We also found out that a lot of sexual violence didn’t happen within the school walls,” she said.

“We all have a role to play to ensure that our schools are safe for learners,” she added.

Mandate Secretary, FCT Education Secretariat, Dr Danlami Hayyo urged parents to monitor their children.

Hayyo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, FCT Education Secretariat, Joy Okeke said: “The document is aimed at promoting a safe learning environment. The FCT administration has taken steps by creating gender desks in schools in the FCT.”