On July 2, 2025, the Justice Development and Peace Centre (JDPC) Benin conducted a sensitization program on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) at Mustard Seed Preparatory Schools, located on Gapiona Oko Central Road, Benin City, Edo State. The program aimed to educate pupils and students on the various forms of violence, its consequences, and ways to prevent and report incidents.
Key Highlights of the Program
The JDPC team member engaged with the students, explaining different types of violence, including:
- Rape
- Bullying
- Physical violence
- Emotional violence
The students were also taught effective ways to avoid and report such incidents, including:
- Reporting to trusted authorities, such as parents, teachers, or other designated personnel
- Avoiding walking alone or taking isolated paths
- Being cautious of strangers and refraining from accepting gifts or cash that may compromise their safety
- Speaking up and being bold enough to report any form of violence
At the end of the program, JDPC Benin presented a Simplified Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law handbook to the school administration. This handbook serves as a valuable resource for the school community to understand the laws and regulations surrounding SGBV.
The school administration expressed gratitude to the JDPC Benin for organizing the sensitization program. The students and staff applauded the initiative, acknowledging the importance of addressing SGBV and promoting a safe and secure environment within the school community.
This program is a testament to the JDPC Benin’s commitment to raising awareness about SGBV and empowering young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent and respond to such incidents.
