“Learn to control your appetite and stop taking gifts from boys or Men. Whatever you are given, let your parents know about it. No one should give you a gift and ask you to hide it from your parents.”Â
Those were the words of Dr. Kemi Ademola-Aremu, the Executive Director, Choice Solution Welfare Initiative International (CSWII). She addressing girls at a summit on Tuesday.
The Girl’s Summit 2018, a two day programme tagged: “Girls Pressing for Progress” was organised by Women’s Research and Documentation Centre ( WORDOC).
Talking to the girls about rape and how to deal with it, Dr. Aremu stressed: “You are an active participant in whether you become a victim of rape or not. Take a stand because you must not be raped and if anyone has been raped the person should seek counsel.
“Say NO and mean it. Not No when your body and action is saying Yes. Your No should be in word and action. And No one is small to say NO.”
According to her, rape, especially when not reported, will affect a girl’s health and mental stability, sometimes leadin to suicide.
Another speaker, Dr. Omolola Aderinto, spoke to the Girls about the importance of communication in their relationships and daily life.
She encouraged the girls to communicate with their parents and make them their best friends. She said girls should report cases of molestation to their parents.
Her words: “Learn to communicate with your parents and make them your best friends. Your Pastors, Imam, friends and teachers should not be your best friends. Your relationship with your parents will determine your relationship with people. Be free with your parents, be sincere, don’t try to argue with them.”
She described parents as the biggest stakeholders, motivators and best teachers. “They have more wisdom and understanding. They can’t lead you astray,” she said.
