By Deborah Nnamdi
A nonprofit organisation, The Heart Healer Foundation International, has urged young girls and victims of sexual abuse and exploitation to speak up when they are being abused or harassed to protect their future.
The foundation, which commemorated World Girl Child Day on Friday, themed: ‘Girl Vision for the Future’ urged young girls to speak out against harassment, early marriage, and human trafficking.
The founder of the foundation, Boma Akainy, represented by the National Representative of the foundation, Ima Umor emphasized that girls should say no to sexual immorality, early marriage, and human trafficking.
Akainy stated that the girl child deserves protection, respect, and empowerment, arguing that when society empowers a girl child, she will fulfil her vision for the future.
“We want to tell you to speak up whenever anyone wants to take advantage of you, whenever you are harassed, if anybody touches you in the areas you do not like, such as your breast or private part, we would encourage you to speak up.”
Akainy explained that The Heart Healer Foundation International was founded in 2006 and is aimed at healing broken hearts and giving victims a chance to smile again.
She highlighted the alarming statistics that revealed that millions of girls worldwide suffered enslavement, abuse, and exploitation and maintained that victims must break their silence, especially in cases of rape by uncles, guardians, and stepfathers.
“Keep quiet no more, if you’re harassed or abused, speak up. Your future depends on it. Silence can lead to pregnancy, dropout from school, depression, and emotional torture.” She said
