Véronique Tognifodé : "It's time for a game-changer"

Today, many students face the scourge of sexual harassment in the various universities of Benin. Most of the time, this situation puts the victims in uncomfortable conditions and undermines their training. This evil is causing the authorities to react at various levels, including the Minister of Social Affairs and Microfinance., Véronique Tognifodé.

"Any teacher who now will engage in such acts will face justice" said the Minister of Social Affairs and Microfinance, Véronique Tognifodé during a discussion session with students on the theme of sexual harassment in universities. This phenomenon which according to the authorities was born a very long time ago and is taking on a worrying scale. And for good reason, the perpetrators of this despicable act are hardly ever disturbed in their maneuvers. "Laws exist in the Republic of Benin on the subject. It is time that we change the situation and that they are punished "she firmly underlined before adding that" when the current reforms put in place by the government to eradicate the phenomenon are at their finalization and will have resulted, the change will be noticed ”.

To believe it, parent-child dialogue is a weapon in this struggle, which concerns both victims, the authorities at various levels but especially those close to the victim. For this fact, leaflets are distributed to families so that, according to the minister,, issues of sexuality are dealt with in basic families.

How to denounce this practice ?

Existing on several forms, sexual harassment in an environment supposed to be a place of exchange and acquisition of knowledge must be denounced. Véronique Tognifodé with the involvement of her ministerial department indicates that several means allow students who are victims of this immoral practice to denounce. "There is a legal framework that allows you to denounce sexual harassment in academia. There is also social assistance which is within the universities and a toll-free number 138 is also available "she said..

 The girl's body being precious, he deserves to be respected and dignified, hence the campaign initiated by the minister and called "AGBAZA TCHE NOU SI SI WE". Now she concludes "The denunciation must therefore be done without fear".

Firmin KASSAGA