Founder of Weruntheworldgirls organisation, Sharon James has advised rape survivors not to blame themselves for their unfortunate experiences.
She said this at one of the group’s outreaches for young girls in Ejigbo recently. Speaking to Community Bell, she explained that the outreach was aimed at sensitising young girls on the dangers of rape and how to protect themselves from becoming victims.
“I decided to organise the event so that we can educate more girls and many people as possible and that is why we did both live and physical. We wanted to give the survivors an opportunity to share their experiences so that they can educate the girls and encourage them to speak up. We want them to know the dangers involved and how to prevent most of these happenings. People also need to know that they are not to blame themselves when it happens.”
A keynote speaker at the event, Orilogbemileke Modotun, noted that people don’t talk about their experiences because they are afraid of being blamed. When rape is covered, it is enabling the perpetrator to continue raping people. Meanwhile most people are raped by people they trust. When you are not comfortable in an environment or with a person, avoid them.
Child safety expert, Oluwatobi Raji, advised the girls to avoid places where rape is likely to occur and ensure that they open their drinks themselves when in social gatherings.
In attendance were young girls from Beulahfield College and Ejigbo community, the event was also live streamed on Instagram.
