#Istandforhappiness

With the rise of the #MeToo movement, there have been more discussions on rape and rape culture. People have come forward to share their stories in hopes of helping others know they are not alone and to fight against the injustice they faced.

Rape culture has been described as ‘a sociological concept for a setting in which rape is pervasive and normalized due to societal attitudes about gender and sexuality’. (Sharna, 2009) There have been instances that involved victims being ostracised or accused of lying. These acts have discouraged many from speaking out or even seeking help. In Nigeria, speaking out about sexual assault and harassment is widely considered taboo, where one in four girls experience sexual violence before the age of 18. Of those who experienced sexual violence in childhood, only 38% told someone about it -- and as few as 5% sought help, according to a national survey carried out in 2014. (Idowu, 2018)

Social media has been flooded with stories and experiences revolving around the MeToo movement. From celebrities to the everyday person, everyone has a story to share; even me. And I will set it in a place I know best, secondary school.

Secondary school (In the US, this would include middle school and high school), is a phase of life that most go through if they have the privilege of education. Its where most are thrown into the world of social pressure and peer pressure. People make friends, socialise, make mistakes, learn lessons and have fun. It’s essential to our learning process.

However, one must not forget the little snide remarks that follow people as they walk past; comments on their dressing, their body, their person. One must never forget the pats on the backsides that are given to females by others as though a right to the access of their bodies has been granted. One must remember the leers that were given and received, the ‘did you see that girl’s ass?’ or the ‘see the way she’s dressed, if they go to her now, she’ll now pretend she wasn’t asking for it’, or the most dreaded ‘ordinary small touch and you overreacted’.

The youth must know their rights as humans, they must be educated on what is right and wrong and every story must be heard and not condemned. There are many who are still silent, who are afraid. The world has shaped people, especially women, to constantly look over their shoulders. Many do not feel safe. Participating in the degrading remarks made towards others, allowing the utterance of rape jokes and condemning the reactions of others to such actions are ways people contribute to rape culture. It does not have to start with someone highly influential, it may start with your everyday school mate

We must acknowledge our faults, we must provide help, we must create a change.

I stand for justice, I stand for peace, I stand for happiness.

Do you?

References

Idowu, S. B. a. T., 2018. CNN. [Online] Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/2018/03/02/africa/nigeria-rape-survivors-metoo-asequals/index.html

Sharna, O., 2009. Wikipedia. [Online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape_culture#cite_note-1

#Rape