The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ebonyi chapter, has charged parents to take active part in the fight against child abuse.
The Chairperson of the association, Nkechi Oginyi, gave the charge on Thursday, during the group’s sensitisation visit to some schools in Abakaliki to commemorate the 2022 International Day of the Girl Child.
The United Nations declared every October 12 to celebrate the girl child all over the world.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Our time is now, our rights, our future”.
Oginyi, represented by her Vice, Mrs Nnenna Beneath, called on parents to protect their children, especially the girl child, from all forms of abuse.
She said that child abuse could occur at home, school or anywhere.
She said that the sensitisation visit to Emmanuel Anglican Church Primary School, Azuiyiokwu and Living Oasis International Schools was to enlighten the pupils on their rights.
A member of the group, Mrs Cynthia Egwu, educated the children on their rights and cautioned them to be wary of msichief makers in society.
Egwu also gave the pupils some security tips to be observed around their homes and learning environment.
“You have rights as a girl and boy.
“As a child, you have rights to education, good living, decision making, rights to say yes or no.
“That is why daddy will sometimes ask you about what you want.
“Don’t go out alone after school.
“Make sure you go home in groups that will make anyone with bad intentions not to be able to harm you.
“And do not collect things from strangers,” Egwu said.
Another member, Amarachukwu Egwu-Agha, also enlightened the children on gender-based violence and admonished them to speak out whenever they were molested.