By Binta Jaiteh
As the country continues battling with the issue of Gender base violence, child marriage, and female genital mutilation, Kumba M Mballow, principal of Meneng Kunda Basic Cycle School in Central River region (CRR North) has urged the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare to adjust their policies.
She said: “if a case is reported to their level, they should make sure that the people involve appear to court by force as that will deter others from repeating the same act. But if not, we will not be able to eradicate this scandal.”
She went on that sexual and gender based violence and female genital mutilation is becoming more rampant in the country and it needs to be addressed. It is very important to filter the dangers of GBV Sexual violence and child marriage to the grass root level.
“The teachers alone cannot tackle this issue the communities should also assist because most of this happens in our homes. The people themselves are not reporting them, reason why FGM/C and Child marriage is still increasing in the country,” she explained.
She encouraged everyone to go out and challenge the authorities responsible and “inform them about the issues affecting us in our community so that they can be addressed. Before changing a law or imposing it on populace it should be discussed with the stakeholders and I call on the government to set an example to the perpetrators,’’ she added.
Ablie M Jallow, education officer Region 5 talked about importance and need to sensitize people on the issue.
Saying that, “The Ministry of Gender has done a great job in making sure that education officers are aware of the dangers. As representative of the regional director I will engage with my people to make sure this does not only stop but taking to the next level.”
Principal of Armitage School said once the teachers are aware of all the issues in this country it can trickle down to the students themselves.
He therefore assured the ministry of sharing this vital information to the children and all parents since they also play role in this matter.