Secondary school students in Ngor-Okpala local government area of Imo State have called on the state government and organisations to equip their schools with qualified teachers and amenities to improve their learning.
This is even as civil society organisations have raised the alarm over the refusal of Police stations to support the prosecution of rapists through unnecessary delay tactics.
The call was made during a one-day roundtable as part of activities for the 16 days of activism to end violence against women and girls organised by Whisper To Humanity Foundation in Owerri, the Imo state capital.
The students were drawn from Ngor-Okpala High School, Nguru Umuaro Community Secondary School, Imerienwe Girls Secondary School, and Nnorie High School.
They told the audience that their schools lacked adequate teachers, toilets to change sanitary towels, chairs and desks for learning and comfortable classes.
Other demands made include completed buildings, school gates to stop students from leaving school premises at will, borehole for their water needs and functional laboratories to aid understanding of lessons.
Frontline response providers for rape victims lamented the rising spate of insecurity especially against women and girls.
Mrs Elizabeth Onyemechi of Honourbeth Foundation alongside Mrs Collette lamented that the sit-at-home cycle had adversely affected women and girls, even as rape incidents have surged in the state.
According to them, the police had failed in their responsibility to protect rape victims who are mostly minors, as they often prefer to negotiate settlement out of court or the legal department uses delay tactics to frustrate complainants.
They called on government agencies to provide funding for frontline responders to discharge their duties to victims especially as NAPTIP shifts the responsibility to them.
Executive director of Whisper to Humanity, Mary Jacobs said they were committed to telling the story of the students and organising advocacy visits to trigger response, saying the demands of the students were their legitimate rights.
She appreciated teachers of the schools for their support and commitment even without transport refunds and for being partners of Whisper to Humanity clubs.
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