Title: Strengthening the rights of children and women in Kindu: a workshop to combat violence in schools
Introduction :
In Kindu, Democratic Republic of Congo, protecting the rights of children and women is a priority. As part of the fight against violence in schools, a capacity building workshop was recently organized to raise awareness among students and educational stakeholders. This event, supported by the fund for Congolese women, marks a significant step forward in the promotion of gender equality and the prevention of violence.
The objectives of the workshop:
The main objective of this workshop, organized by the NGO SAFI/Maniema, was to strengthen the knowledge of female students on legal texts aimed at combating sexual violence in schools. Participants benefited from training on the rights of children and women/girls as well as the legal instruments that protect them. Teachers and members of parent committees were also involved to promote a global approach in the fight against school violence.
The situation of violence in schools:
Violence in schools has unfortunately become commonplace in many educational establishments. They can occur between students themselves, between students and school authorities, between students and teachers, or even between students and parent committees. This reality directly impacts the well-being and development of students, particularly girls.
The importance of awareness and capacity building:
Awareness raising and capacity building play a crucial role in preventing violence in schools. Providing students with knowledge about their rights and the legal instruments that protect them equips them to deal with situations of violence and to seek help. In addition, by involving teachers and parent committees, we create an environment of support and listening allowing us to detect and intervene quickly in the face of this violence.
The results of the workshop:
At the end of this workshop, participants acquired essential knowledge and skills to prevent and combat sexual violence in schools. They are now able to put this knowledge into practice and adopt attitudes favorable to the prevention and repression of violence. These actions will help create a safer and more inclusive school environment for all.
Conclusion :
The capacity building workshop in Kindu raised awareness among students, teachers and members of parent committees on the rights of children and women. By fighting against violence in schools, this event marks an important step forward in the promotion of gender equality and respect for fundamental rights. It is essential to continue building this knowledge and raising awareness to create a better future for the children and women of Kindu.