A non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering the girl-child, known as The Heart Healer Foundation, has sounded a clarion call to victims of sexual abuse and exploitation.
The foundation, which commemorated World Girl-Child Day on Friday, themed: ‘Girl Vision for the Future’, donated sanitary pads to girls in Rumuapara Secondary School in Obio-Akpor council of Rivers State.
Founder of the foundation, Boma Akainy, urged young girls to speak out against harassment, early marriage, and human trafficking.
Represented by the National Representative of the foundation, Ima Umor, Akainy emphasised that girls should say no to sexual immorality, to early marriage, and say no to human trafficking.
Akainy said the girl-child deserves protection, respect, and empowerment, arguing that when society empowers a girl-child, she’ll fulfil her vision for the future.
She said: “We want to tell you to speak up whenever anyone wants to take advantage of you, whenever you are harassed, if anybody touches you in the areas you do not like such as your breast, private part, we would encourage you to speak up.”
Founded in 2006, Akainy explained that The Heart Healer Foundation aimed to heal broken hearts and give victims a chance to smile again.
She highlighted the alarming statistics that revealed millions of girls worldwide suffered enslavement, abuse, and exploitation.
Akainy said victims must break their silence, citing cases of rape by uncles, guardians, and stepfathers.
“Keep quiet no more, If you’re harassed or abused, speak up. Your future depends on it. Silence can lead to pregnancy, dropout from school, depression, and emotional torture,” she said.