Teenage Network participated in the First Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children which took place in Bogota Columbia on November 6th-8th, 2024. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of UNESCO. This sponsorship enabled our youth-led organization to engage in critical global conversations on how to protect children and adolescents from violence, particularly in the context of school-related gender-based violence. As you may already know, Teenage Network is a frontline nonprofit in Nigeria working to reduce the prevalence of school related gender-based violence in Nigeria. We are a member of the global working group on ending school-related gender-based violence hosted by UNESCO and the United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative (UNGEI). Currently, we are leading the development of a sexual violence reporting and management framework for all schools in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.
One of the most significant highlights of the conference for Teenage Network was the commitment made by the Federal Government of Nigeria to end corporal punishment in schools. This move marks an important step towards protecting learners from harmful and dehumanizing practices within the Nigeria educational institutions. As an organization dedicated to empowering young people and challenging gender stereotypes in schools, we applaud this commitment and call for the official ban of corporal punishment in schools to ensure the safety and dignity of all learners.
Another crucial issue addressed at the conference was the emergence of technology-facilitated gender-based violence. As the digital world becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, the risks young people face online, especially adolescent girls, have skyrocketed. This form of violence, which includes online harassment, cyberbullying, and exploitation, was discussed in-depth, with calls for greater accountability from tech companies and stronger policies to safeguard children.
This conference was an invaluable opportunity to amplify youth voices and advocate for stronger protections against violence, both in physical spaces and online. We are committed to continuing this vital work, ensuring that every child, everywhere, can live free from violence and harm.