Gender Centre implements programme against misuse of cell phones

A two-year project, introduced to draw the attention of pupils to be wary of victimisation and violence against girls in schools through the use of mobile phones, is ongoing.

Introduced in December last year to help reduce sexual violence in basic schools, the project, entitled "Sexual violence against girls in school" (SVAGS), has the theme: "Cell phones against sexual violence: Using mobile technology to promote safer school environment," and is being implemented by the Gender Studies and Human Rights Documentation Centre (GSHRDC), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), and Votomobile.

The beneficiary districts are Ada East and Nkoranza North (10 schools) and 30 schools in the Wenchi, Kintampo North and Ledzokuku Krowor municipalities.

Education

The programme is meant to educate girls on their rights and teach them to be conscious of them and learn to lead free lives, while being wary of violence perpetuated through the acquisition and application of mobile phone technology.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting to mark the launch of the project in Accra and officially unveil the project, already going on in the beneficiary schools, the Programmes Manager of GSHRDC, Ms Evelyn Nuvor, said the two-year project was meant to expose pupils to be wary of victimisation and violence against girls in schools through the use of mobile phone applications such as WhatsApp.

She said the programme would  educate girls on how to communicate effectively and also help them to know their rights.

"It is imperative to test the effectiveness of mobile-based reporting and education as a strategy for improving girls' access to justice and support," she added.