RuWCED launched Girls Club activities with at least 12 girls from the Full Gospel Church in Ndamukong, Bamenda on 29th November 2020.

 
Loveline, Lead Nurse of RuWCED who doubles as the facilitator of the club meeting briefed participants on RuWCED’s activities and long-term goals of the club. She also gave out the curriculum of the club.

The lesson handled on this day was Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and it was in line with the ongoing 16 days activism against GBV. The teaching was highly participatory as the girls outlined various forms of GBV which included; rape, sexual abuse, domestic violence, breast ironing, human trafficking, female genital mutilation, etc.

They were divided into two groups and cardboard papers given to the groups to concert on questions asked and write down their responses. Some of these questions included; What kind of abuse do women suffer in the North West Region? Why do women stay with an abusive men? What will you do if you were abused by your husband? Each group did a presentation on their responses and they shared experiences on GBV as seen in their homes and neighborhoods. The session was interactive and made it possible for the girls to freely open up and speak out without any fear. Most of them were so happy and confessed that they feel free and confident talking and sharing with their peers. They said that with the self-courage gained and the difference experiences shared, they will be able to carry the message and lesson learned back to their different homes and share this especially with their siblings and friends.

These young girls attest that they are experiencing more violence during the ongoing conflict in the region and that COVIC-19 has just come to worsen the situation. Ghost towns days coupled with confinement has exposed them to more violence. The facilitators made it clear that no matter what a girl or woman does, it is no reason enough to violate her right whether sexually, physically or emotionally.
Participants received the lessons with excitement and appreciation as they got a safe space to easily air their views and learn new ideas. At the end of the session, some girls were given prices for their active participation and everyone appreciated for participating.