Pupils Use Debate to Raise Awareness on Gender-Based Violence

(JUBA)—Pupils at JCC Hai Negli branch in Gondokoro Island are turning classroom debates into platform for raising awareness about sexual and gender-based violence, using discussions on early child marriage to encourage their peers to speak up about practices that threaten the rights and future of children.

The pupils debated the motion “Early Child Marriage Must Be Stopped” on Friday, August 14, with the proposition side winning the debate after arguing that early marriage denies children opportunities to continue their education and exposes them to risks of violence and exploitation.

The debate was part of efforts to equip school-going children with knowledge about preventing sexual and gender-based violence and to encourage them to share what they learn with other children in their communities.

Amos Abiria John, programme manager at the Women Foundation for Humanity, said the debate was designed to help pupils take ownership of discussions about issues affecting them rather than only receiving information from adults.

“We are trying to make sure they don’t forget what they have discussed by themselves,” Amos said.

He said the approach allows pupils to become advocates among their peers, carrying messages about prevention of sexual and gender-based violence beyond the classroom.

“They take that initiative; at the same time, they will go and share this information with their peer groups in their homesteads or in schools,” he said.

The choice of early child marriage as a debate topic came after adolescent girls participating in life-skills training raised concerns about sexual harassment, early marriage and the challenges girls face in remaining in school.

Amos said the concerns demonstrated the need to create spaces where both boys and girls can openly discuss issues that affect their safety, education and future.

The debate allows pupils to develop confidence and communication skills while using their voices to challenge practices that can expose children to violence and limit their opportunities.

Amos said engaging pupils through debate is also a way of making prevention messages more sustainable.

Rather than limiting awareness activities to short training sessions, he said, the approach encourages children to remember, discuss and pass on the information themselves.

He said the initiative is important because the project is short-term, making it necessary to ensure that knowledge gained by participating pupils continues to reach other children after organised activities end.

The debate also highlighted the importance of giving boys and girls equal opportunities to remain in school and participate in conversations about their rights and protection.

Amos said some parents continue to prioritise the education of boys over girls, leaving girls more vulnerable to early marriage and other forms of gender-based violence.

He said awareness among families and communities is essential to ensuring that children can remain in school and have equal opportunities to develop their potential.