Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mimi Mefo Info (Editor)
Published on 2024-03-22 18:08:49
By Daniel D.
The Cameroon Human Rights Commission (CHRC) has collaborated with the University of Douala to empower male students to report incidents of violence and seek redress on the often overlooked issue of violence against men.
A recent panel discussion, organized as a result of this partnership, gathered over 300 students to discuss the theme, “Violence Against Men in the Student Environment.”
Under the guidance of Prof. Bidias À Mbassa, a senior lecturer at the University of Douala, the discussion delved into the causes and manifestations of physical violence within the student community.
Key takeaways from the discussion included strategies for reporting human rights violations to the CHRC and raising awareness about available resources for seeking help.
Prof. Ferdin Zo’o Ferdin, Prof. Begni Babagna, and Prof. Hortense Nguedia Mekeu, esteemed members of the university community, shared valuable insights and guidance with the students during the panel.
Dr. Clémentine Kabadiang, a lecturer at the University of Douala, stressed the significance of nurturing a culture of tolerance, patience, and love to combat violence in the student environment.
She urged participants to report perpetrators of violence to legal authorities and actively work towards change within their communities.
The University Human Rights Club echoed these sentiments, urging students to courageously speak up against acts of violence and lead efforts to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all. The club emphasized the importance of male students overcoming societal stigmas and barriers that often hinder them from seeking help.
In shedding light on the prevalence of violence against men, research conducted by Kola Oyediran and other researchers revealed alarming statistics.
In Cameroon, 26.5% of men reported experiencing psychological violence, 24.4% reported physical victimization, and 2.3% reported sexual victimization in just one year.
Furthermore, data from the Cameroon National Institute of Statistics indicated that 42% of men aged 15–49 reported enduring physical violence since the age of 15, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.
Despite the obstacles, initiatives like the collaboration between the CHRC and the University of Douala offer hope for progress.
The CHRC introduced various channels for students to report instances of violence, including the toll-free number 1523. The University Human Rights Club also urged students to advocate for change and support victims in their pursuit of justice.
By empowering male students to speak out against violence and facilitating access to support services, the collaboration aims to establish a safer and more equitable learning environment for all.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
