Group calls for solution to issues of child abuse

THE Women Advancement and Youth Research Foundation (WAYREFOUNDATION), a non-governmental organisation, has called for a quick and positive solution to the issue of child abuse in the country.

The group in collaboration with the Initiative for Promotion of Research on Women and Gender Development (ROWAG), recently organised a child abuse awareness walk tagged: ‘Protect the Child,’ where emphasis was laid on the importance of families and communities in working together to prevent child abuse and promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families.

While speaking at the event, the President/Founder of WAYREFOUNDATION, Dr Arinola A. A. Oluwo, summed up the purpose of the walk as creating awareness on child abuse, adding that children go through all forms of abuse ranging from sexual abuse, physical abuse, child trafficking and child molestation.

“The abysmal state of societal disregard and disrespect for the rights of the Nigerian child is very alarming. Many children are exposed to molestation, sexual abuse, domestic abuse and lots more; they are unfortunately often abused by those who are supposed to protect them. This has to stop.

“Every adult is responsible for protecting the child and exposing offenders, because building a strong community with healthy children who are leaders of tomorrow is a collective responsibility. It takes a community to raise and protect the child,” she said.

The WAYREFOUNDATION was founded in 2007, with a purpose of advocating, educating and empowering women and youth to achieve their full potential in order to contribute meaningfully to the society.

Held at the Dolphin Estate and Ijeh axis of Lagos State on Saturday, April 22, 2017, the awareness walk attracted over 100 people, with the aim of educating members of the community on child abuse, its warning signs, the rights of the child and the provision made by the Lagos State Government to persecute offenders and protect victims.

The Lagos State Yellow card for the prevention of child abuse was also distributed amongst the populace.