UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
BY: MILLICENT L. DAHAMANI
Bolgatanga Senior High School (BIGBOSS) has joined the global “Orange the World” campaign, a 16-day activism initiative aimed at raising awareness about sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
The school’s involvement culminated in a durbar held on campus, where students, staff, and faculty gathered under the theme, “Orange the World, Safe Spaces, Empowered Voices: End Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Violence in Our Schools.” The event emphasized the need to create a safe and inclusive environment while calling for collective action to eliminate these issues within the educational setting.
Speakers at the event highlighted the importance of respect, empathy, and inclusivity in preventing sexual harassment and gender-based violence. The lead counselor at the school, Anabila Helina Ngoh, passionately called for a united front involving all stakeholders, from the community to policymakers.
“Sexual harassment and gender-based violence have devastating consequences, from physical harm to emotional trauma and even death,” she said. “We need policies and procedures that protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.”
Evelyn Abingde, Talensi District Girl Child Education Officer, served as the guest speaker. She addressed the psychological toll of sexual harassment and urged schools to break the cycle of silence and abuse.
“Many victims of harassment suffer in silence, fearing stigma or disbelief. This silence perpetuates abuse that we must work to end,” she stated.
The headmaster of Bolgatanga Senior High School, Anthony Adimazoya, called on staff and students to collaboratively maintain a harassment-free environment.
The initiative was supported by the International Women Hope Center, a non-governmental organization dedicated to women’s welfare and education. Representing the organization, Gerard Awombadek Asagi lauded the school’s efforts and reiterated their commitment to future collaborations. He also noted that some students had already benefited from the center’s programs.
The campaign underscores the urgent need to address gender-based violence in schools. With its far-reaching consequences on victims’ mental health, self-esteem, and future prospects, sexual harassment is a critical issue that demands immediate attention and action.
Bolgatanga Senior High School has pledged to continue fostering a culture of safety and inclusivity, ensuring that every student can thrive in a harassment-free environment. The school also plans to deepen its collaboration with stakeholders like the International Women Hope Center to sustain the momentum of the campaign.
This initiative forms part of the global efforts to create safe spaces and empower voices, particularly in schools, as the world marks the “Orange the World” campaign.
