Gender and Development Action and UNICAL Student Union Government Lead March to End Gender Based Violence

Campus Squares; For Safer Campus Communities

Background

Gender Based-Violence (GBV) is a pervasive issue that affects students and the broader campus community. Addressing it requires a comprehensive approach, including ensuring that there is adequate awareness of the various forms of GBV, instituting appropriate policies and programmes that protect young people, especially young women, promoting rights, breaking the silence around GBV by supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable. 

Left to right, UNICAL DVC-Administration, Prof. Eno Grace Ita, Commissioner of Women Affairs, CRS, Hon. Edema Irom, Coordinator GPI, SUG President, Comrade Blessing Alims, A representative from The American Corner.

Each year, from November 25th to December 10th, Gender and Development Action (GADA) participates in the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign to localize and call for action against GBV. In 2024, GADA partnered with the Student Union Government (SUG) of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) through its Campus Square Initiative which focuses on Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) interventions in tertiary institutions in Cross River State. Together, they mobilized students to advocate for a safer and more inclusive campus. The event tagged "The 1,000 March," aimed to amplify awareness of GBV and to promote the UNICAL Gender Policy.


**The 1,000 March: A Call to Action**

The March on  Saturday, November 7, commanded a large procession of students, youth leaders, GBV advocates, NGOs, and stakeholders who walked  from Mary Slessor Avenue to Malabor Square on the Campus, raising their voices against GBV. Leading the March were GADA associates from the Campus Square project, alongside the SUG cabinet, led by its President, Blessing Alims.  Participants included representatives of the Ministry of Women Affairs, UNICAL Campus Square team, Persons with Disabilities, and others, all united in a forceful and urgent call to end GBV.  The event was graced by Hon. Edema Irom Commissioner for Women Affairs and Prof. Eno Grace Ita, UNICAL Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), who represented the Vice-Chancellor.  She reaffirmed the university’s commitment to partner with the SUG and other stakeholders to create a safer campus, stating that "There is no place for GBV on our campus."

Procession along Mary Slessor Avenue, Calabar Municipality.

**Presentation of Campus Square & the UNICAL Gender Policy**

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the Campus Square Initiative and UNICAL and Gender Policy by Ms. Charity Abang of GADA. The SUG President was named Campus Square Ambassador and tasked with the responsibility of promoting gender equality and safety within the institution.

A cross section of UNICAL Campus Square Team with the SUG.