As a way of stemming rampant cases of sexual abuse on the part of the girl-child, a women advocacy group has called on the government to ensure that the right of girl-child is protected.
Reacting to the increase in cases of sexual abuse of teenagers, the founder of Lady of Africa Empowerment and Advocacy Foundation (LAEAF), Princess Oluwabukola Fasuyi, said it is disheartening to hear of fathers sexually molesting their daughters.
According to her, children who are victims of such abuse end up becoming wayward and live with the psychological effects of such abuse for the rest of their lives.
Citing the case of a 14-year-old girl at Meiran area of Lagos State, who was sexually molested severally by her father before she was rescued by the organization, Princess Fasuyi said the victim is currently battling with trauma, having been introduced to the sordid side of life early as a result of her father’s action.
She added that the organization is making effort to assist the victim recover from the psychological effects of her father’s action and has enrolled her in one of the government’s schools in the state.
“It’s high time government ensured the right of girl-child is protected. It’s disturbing when you hear stories of fathers sleeping with their daughters. We have a case of a 14-year-old girl who was sexually abused by her father. The girl often ran out of the house in the middle of the night whenever the father wanted to sleep with her. This happened on several occasions.
“When we got wind of it, we had to rescue the girl and report the matter to the police. The father was arrested, brought before a court, and is currently in remand while the case is going on in court.
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The action has made the girl become wayward, but the organization is trying to re-orientate her and give her a new life,” she said.
She also cited the case of a 17-year-old girl who was rescued in Epe after being sexually molested by her father. The girl was later rescued by the organization.
According to her, the organization reported the matter to the police, and the father was arrested. The case is presently in court.
“We are urging the government to pay more attention to women by empowering them. It is said that when you build a woman, you build the nation. Many young girls who grow up to be wayward are victims of domestic abuse from childhood. Government must ensure violators are brought to book.
“Law enforcement agencies must ensure violators are prosecuted and justice is served to victims. The girl child should be educated while parents, especially mothers, should pay adequate attention to their daughters to protect them from randy father’s,” she urged.
Lady of Africa Empowerment and Foundation is a non-governmental organization committed to the empowerment and rapid development of women.
Over the years, the Foundation has been involved in several cases involving the welfare of women.
In 2009, the Foundation rescued Dupe Olowoyo, a single mother of two who was down with cervical cancer. Several millions of Naira was reportedly spent for her treatment by the Foundation before she was cured of the disease, and was similarly empowered by the Foundation.
Also, Miss. Yinka Popoola, a single mother of four was treated for cancer of the mouth by the Foundation.
