Education

PROF. Florence Obi, the Vice- Chancellor (V-C) of the University of Calabar (UniCal), has restated commitment of the institution to stamp out Gender Based Violence (GBV) .

Obi said this on Wednesday in Calabar when a group known as “The 100 Women Lobby Group and Change Managers International’’ paid her a courtesy visit in her office.

While declaring her intention to work with the group, the V-C said the institution would always key into any initiative that seeks to tackle GBV.

“I am happy that you are here to support the work of the present administration by empowering and sensitising both staff and students of the university on gender issues.

“This administration is gender sensitive, we have taught girls who they are and who they need to be.

“Through our Centre for Gender Studies, we have developed a gender policy which is yet to be ratified and domesticated due to the absence of a governing council,’’ she said.

She advised girls to speak up against any form of victimisation, adding that the institution had a youth-friendly centre that had gained support from local and international bodies for their sensitisation and campaigns against GBV.

On her part, Mrs Felicia Onibon, President of the 100 Women Lobby Group and Change Managers International said their goals were to enhance gender equality and development.

Onibon said they also promote access to quality education, community and rural development, conflict resolution, as well as promoting positive family values and peace.

She said they were organising a 10-day programme to educate and sensitise staff and students on GBV.

“We also seek to educate girls on how to dress decently and comport themselves with dignity and respect.

“On the issue of sustainability of the programme, we will be working with the College of Medical Sciences, Faculties of Education, Guidance and Counseling Unit, Sociology Department and the Security Department,’’ she said. (NAN)

14th February, 2024.

C.E.

Tags: UNICAL