By Alusine Kamara
A group of young girls in eastern Freetown has embarked on a sensitisation programme on sexual and gender-based violence against their fellow women, especially the stigma that comes with it.
The girls, pupils from different secondary schools in Freetown, expressed grave disappointment in parents who use their children for revenue generation, saying most of these parents were responsible for their children’s downfall.
In an interview with Politico, chairlady of the Talented Ladies Organisation, Marylene Jalloh said that since they formed the organisation in 2010, “we have gone extra miles to educate our colleagues on the concept of sexual abuse and its effects on victims, because the stigma can never be washed away”.
She said they had discouraged young girls from sexual activities and urged them to focus on their studies "as that is the only good thing a child could get from their parents". She said her organisation had also organised debates as a way of building confidence in women and girls.
She said that last year the organisation was able to give away $ 50 and a 3-year scholarship package to a primary school pupil who topped the debate which was given by one of the judges.
She said they hoped to do more if they got sponsors, adding: "We want to develop ourselves and our colleagues, and subsequently the nation as a whole. Our next debate is coming up on June 15.Any help will be greatly appreciated”.
(C) Politico 20/03/14
