“The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.” Plutarch . This quote perfectly captures the essence of what education should achieve—not just the transmission of knowledge, but the transformation of minds, especially when it comes to critical social issues like Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). In a society still grappling with deeply entrenched gender norms, the role of education in reshaping perceptions and tackling abuse cannot be overstated.
In an exclusive interview with Mrs. Chukwuemeka Uchenna, the former President of the Enugu State Guidance and Chancellor Forum, she shared invaluable insights on how the educational curriculum can be a strategic tool in addressing SGBV across Nigeria.
Understanding SGBV: A Silent Epidemic
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) is any harmful act directed at an individual based on their gender. It includes physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional abuse, and disproportionately affects women and girls—but also impacts men and boys.
Mrs. Uchenna illustrated this with a culturally relevant example: “In many families, the birth of a male child is celebrated with pride, while that of a female is met with subdued joy or even disdain. From that moment, a silent hierarchy is created.”
She continued, “This discriminatory orientation starts in the family—the first agent of socialization. A girl is told she should be seen, not heard; her role begins and ends in the kitchen. This mindset, if unchecked, matures into normalized violence, discrimination, and abuse.”
Her words underline the importance of confronting SGBV not just as a social issue, but as a cultural and educational concern.
The School as a Crucial Battlefield
According to Mrs. Uchenna, after the family, the school is the most influential environment in shaping a child’s worldview. “If we are serious about eradicating SGBV,” she said, “then schools—right from the primary to tertiary level—must become intentional about reorienting students’ minds through the curriculum and extracurricular activities.”
She advocated for the integration of SGBV-related content into subjects like Civic Education, Social Studies, and Health Science, and for conversations about gender roles, consent, and respect to be normalized across school assemblies, classroom teachings, and moral instruction classes.
“Schools must also engage parents through regular forums where these conversations continue,” she added. “Only then can we dismantle long-held gender stereotypes and foster equality.”
Firsthand Experiences from the Classroom
Mrs. Uchenna’s 10+ years of experience in the school system have exposed her to the harsh realities of SGBV. “I’ve seen fathers refuse to pay school fees or buy books for their daughters, while ensuring their sons have everything they need to succeed,” she revealed.
She recalled cases of students—both boys and girls—displaying behavioral problems that could be traced to domestic violence at home. “A child who bullies others, isolates themselves, or acts out, often comes from a violent or abusive home. I’ve seen it repeatedly. These experiences distort their emotional development and academic performance.”
She stressed that educators must be trained not just to teach, but to detect early warning signs of abuse and provide psychological support.
- A Call to Action
Mrs. Uchenna emphasized that sex education, gender equality, and children’s rights must become central topics in both formal curriculum and informal school culture. “We must teach children that abuse is not normal. That their voices matter. That speaking up is a strength, not a shame,” she said.
She ended with a passionate appeal: “We cannot afford to be silent. Every child—regardless of gender—deserves a safe learning environment and equal opportunity to thrive. The curriculum must reflect that. Education must be used to build a generation that will end SGBV, not perpetuate it.”
In conclusion, the fight against SGBV begins with what we teach our children—not just at home, but in our classrooms. If the curriculum is the blueprint of society’s values, then integrating gender justice into education is not optional. It is essential.
Nzubechukwu Eze.
