By Elizabeth Osayande

The Brave Movement officially launched in Nigeria over the weekend, aiming to end the pressing issue of child sexual exploitation and violence through grassroots collaboration of NGOs. The Head of Brave Movement for Africa, Kanga Rasi emphasised the importance of uniting various stakeholders to address this crisis.

“Our approach centers around grassroots organisations and NGOs, because they understand the lived experiences of individuals in their communities,” Rasi explained at the launch event. “Today’s launch is about bringing together police officers, university representatives, media personnel, and community leaders to collectively work towards eradicating childhood sexual violence.”

She expressed hope that this initiative would foster partnerships that enable collaborative efforts, stating, “We’re expecting to see these partners not working in silos but coming together to empower communities to engage in meaningful discussions about these critical issues. Our goal is to ensure that the information shared today reaches the children, parents, teachers, and traditional leaders in our communities.”

Speaking on the reasons behind the launch, the current chair of Brave Movement in Nigeria, Dr. Goretti Dieter-Anthony, who was represented by the CEO of Suburbancares and co-chair for Brave Movement Africa, Dr. Bukola Ogunkua, highlighted the urgency of addressing child sexual exploitation and violence. “According to data from the CDC, UNICEF, and WHO, we are at a crisis point. One in five girls and one in boys and girls worldwide have been affected by child sexual violence. This is no longer just a matter of concern; it is a public health crisis,” she stated.

Dr. Ogunkua elaborated on the severe physical and psychological repercussions of such trauma on children. “Children who experience sexual violence often face chronic health issues, including asthma and broken bones. These physical symptoms can lead to lifelong health challenges,” she said. “Moreover, the mental health impact is significant; traumatised children struggle with focus, socialisation, and cognitive development.”

The ripple effects of this crisis extend beyond the affected children, according to Dr. Ogunkua. “The trauma can even be genetically transferred to future generations. The consequences are cascading, affecting not only the victims but also our society as a whole,” she said, urging immediate action.

Reflecting on past societal unrest, Dr. Ogunkua drew a parallel to the recent #EndSARS protests, where youth engagement highlighted the consequences of societal neglect. “When I was in College, students led significant protests that led to impactful governmental changes. However, we must be cautious; when our children are ignored and disenfranchised, they can turn into a ticking time bomb for societal chaos,” she cautioned.

The Brave Movement aims to empower communities through knowledge and dialogue, which Dr. Ogunkua believes is essential in shaping a safer future for all children. “We must stop ignoring this issue. If we want a society that is law-abiding and productive, we must start caring for our children and addressing the violence they endure,” she concluded.

A legal practitioner and human rights activist, Adejoke Ogunlewe, who noted that Brave Movement was about local communities coming together to tackle all forms of sexual violence against children, called on the federal government to declare Zero tolerance on violence against children and speedy the adoption of the Child’s Rights Act.

The launch of Brave Nigeria saw a two-day sensitisation programme organised for NGOs in the protection of children against sexual violence. Part of those that attended the event included: NGO founders, the police, and respected individuals that included; an educationist, Mrs Antoinette Omo-Osagie; the president, OMEP Nigeria, Dr Adefunke Ekine, and a Certified Child Trauma Professional, Yetunde Adelaja, among others.

Brave Movement is dedicated to ending childhood sexual violence, a pervasive issue that requires coordinated action at the grassroots and national levels. In line with global efforts to end
violence against children, the Brave Movement seeks to strengthen collaboration and coordination across its national platforms in Africa.

This will be for 18 months, starting with a pilot in 8 African countries, namely Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, and South Africa. This strategic approach aims to address the urgent need for intervention, supported by data highlighting the prevalence and impact of childhood sexual violence in the region.