After debates and exchanges, these students have declared their commitment to engage in prevention campaigns against digital violence aimed at them and have also simultaneously called on academic authorities to take immediate and decisive action to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all young female students. 

To contribute to the reduction of digital violence cases on university sites, participants of the workshop committed to organizing regular awareness campaigns in universities and higher education institutes aimed at informing students about different forms of violence, promoting mutual respect, and encouraging the reporting of violent acts. 

Finally, the students expressed a desire to see the emergence of a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual harassment and violence. Here are some recommendations made by the students at the end of the session. 

Cathy Ibandula

(CI/DNK/Yes)

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DECLARATION OF STUDENTS FROM UNIVERSITIES AND HIGHER INSTITUTES WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM "ALL UNITED! INVESTING TO PREVENT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS"

Indeed, it is alarming to note that young female students are still facing numerous challenges, including sexual harassment, psychological and digital violence, various forms of discrimination, as well as risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to the phenomenon commonly known as "Sexually Transmitted Points," abbreviated as STPs.

This phenomenon involves some teachers sexually abusing certain young female students in exchange for granting good grades during exams, quizzes, or other assignments in universities and higher institutes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This phenomenon persists and requires special attention from political, academic, and judicial authorities.

Let us appeal to academic authorities to take immediate and decisive measures to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all young female students.

We recommend the following:

1. Continuing sensitization and implementation of prevention measures
Academic authorities should conduct regular awareness campaigns to inform students about the forms of violence against them and promote mutual respect and gender equality.

2. Support for victims
It is imperative to establish accessible support and counseling services for victims of sexual violence. Psychological and legal counselors should be available to accompany students throughout their university journey.

3. Implementation and strengthening of reporting mechanisms
Academic authorities should establish clear, confidential, and easy-to-use reporting procedures. Victims must feel safe when reporting acts of violence, and thorough investigations must be conducted to identify the perpetrators and ensure respect for the rights of student victims.

4. Zero-tolerance policy
Educational institutions must adopt and enforce zero-tolerance policies regarding sexual harassment, psychological and digital violence, as well as any other form of violence against young girls. Sanctions against those responsible for these acts must be clear and dissuasive.