The Cameroon Human Rights Commission (CHRC) has partnered with the University of Douala to empower male students to report incidents of violence and seek redress on the often overlooked issue of violence against men.
A recent panel discussion, organized as a result of this collaborative initiative, brought together over 300 students to deliberate on the theme, “Violence Against Men in the Student Environment.”
Led by Prof. Bidias À Mbassa, a senior lecturer at the University of Douala, the discussion explored the causes and manifestations of physical violence within the student milieu.
Key highlights of the discussion included strategies for reporting human rights violations to the CHRC and raising awareness about available avenues for seeking assistance.
Prof. Ferdin Zo’o Ferdin, Prof. Begni Babagna, and Prof. Hortense Nguedia Mekeu, prominent figures within the university community, were among the panelists who provided valuable insights and guidance to the students.
Dr. Clémentine Kabadiang, a lecturer at the University of Douala, emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of tolerance, patience, and love to eradicate violence within the student environment.
She urged participants to report perpetrators of violence to judicial authorities and actively advocate for change within their communities.
The University Human Rights Club echoed these sentiments, challenging students to bravely speak out against acts of violence and champion efforts to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all. The club emphasized the need for male students to overcome societal stigmas and barriers that often discourage them from seeking help.
In shedding light on the prevalence of violence against men, research conducted by Kola Oyediran and other researchers revealed alarming statistics.
In Cameroon, 26.5% of men reported experiencing psychological violence, 24.4% reported physical victimization, and 2.3% reported sexual victimization in one year alone.
Additionally, data from the Cameroon National Institute of Statistics indicated that 42% of men aged 15–49 reported suffering physical violence since the age of 15, underscoring the pervasive nature of the issue.
Despite the challenges, initiatives such as the partnership between the CHRC and the University of Douala provide hope for progress.
The CHRC presented various avenues for students to report cases of violence, including the toll-free number 1523. The University Human Rights Club also encouraged students to advocate for change and support victims in their quest for justice.
By empowering male students to speak out against violence and facilitating access to support services, the collaboration aims to create a safer and more equitable learning environment for all.
