Elimination of gender-based violence in academia: JFAD mobilizes UAC students

In Benin, gender-based violence (Women and young girls continue to be victims of all kinds of violence despite the legal arsenal available to Benin and the awareness campaigns made by the State and certain civil society organizations) affect the majority of women and girls. Sexual abuse and rape are serious facts and impact the entire life course. They include physical and mental suffering. It is to fight against this evil in a university environment that the crucible of Young Girls Actresses of Development (JFAD) initiated, as part of the We Go For Change project, a forum for 48 hours which mobilized students from the University of Abomey Calavi (UAC) around the theme : “Act collectively to eradicate sexist and sexual violence in a university setting”. It ended on Friday 28 July 2023.

Indeed, several communication sessions were on the menu of these two days of exchange for the elimination of gender-based violence in a university environment. It is : “presentation of the actions of the UAC gender observatory, presentation of youth initiatives to combat gender-based and sexual violence at the UAC », “recognize and dismantle sexism in universities in Benin”, “how to build collective actions to fight against sexist and sexual violence at the UAC ? », “what works in the fight against gender-based and sexual violence in Benin and elsewhere”.

Very satisfied with this initiative, the recipients, through their spokesperson, welcomed the journey with JFAD. " For months, we strengthen our capacities. As an engaged student now, we are happy to share with you our journey with JFAD. We had the opportunity to deepen our understanding of human rights and the human rights-based approach. This approach opened our eyes to the importance of recognizing and analyzing the social and gender inequalities that persist in our society.. We understood that these inequalities are not fixed realities, but that they are the result of social constructions and unbalanced systems of power”, said Esther Iriko Dokou while adding “We would like to express our gratitude to all the members of JFAD and the We Go For Change team who accompanied us., strengthened us, gave us the voice. Who made us role models for our peers and in our society. Your support has been invaluable, and we wouldn’t be here today without you”. She makes the commitment : “We are the voice of all these students who are bullied, raped, violated, harassed, …We don’t want to be harassed and we don’t want to harass”.

The representative of the Central Commissioner of Calavi agrees, affirming that this Forum of exchanges and sharing comes at the right time to imagine solutions to eradicate gender-based violence at the UAC.. “We had fun traveling with you. In our quest for a more equitable future that respects each individual, we undertook learning journeys together. These sessions questioning sexist norms, understanding the root causes of gender-based and sexual violence, as well as unlearning sexism, have been essential for our in-depth understanding of this issue and to continually raise awareness among our entire police force”, said Samuel Kouagou. He recalled that a code of conduct for judicial police officers in the fight against GBV was established by mutual agreement with JFAD to enable them to carry out their mission successfully before hammering: “By working together, together, we can create lasting and meaningful change in our society. The solutions we develop here will have an impact and inspire future generations to fight for equality and justice.".

The coordinator of the UAC gender approach, representing its president in turn assured that a partnership has now been born between JFAD and the gender approach of the UAC. “We will do everything possible to ensure that the objectives are achieved for the happiness of all”, said Pascaline Babadankpodji.

Very happy with the outcome of this forum, Kifayath Toko Chabi Coordinator of the WE Go For Change Initiative thanked everyone and especially the managers and agents of the Calavi police station for their support and availability. “We believe that women and men must work together to achieve a world where both sexes are socially, culturally, economically, politically and legally free, fulfilled. Creating this world is a responsibility both for women, so much for men. Since it is a beneficial transformation for both sexes”, she wished.

Damien TOLOMISSI