We write to advocate for the review of the Social Studies curriculum of both Junior and Senior High Schools as he as the Religious and Moral Education curriculum for Junior High Schools.
We recently came across SECTION 4.1.2 of the Junior High School one (JHS1) Religious and Moral Education syllabus which states that one must dress decently to prevent general assault (rape). We believe this misinforms young minds and enables a rape culture which blames the victims of such gruesome acts. It silences rape victims by making them think and feel they are to be blamed for such an act. Simply put, such a statement breeds generations of sexual assault apologists and enablers. What about the toddlers who are sexually assaulted? What about the women in burqa? Can indecent dressing be used to justify their assault?
We also propose the that topics on consent are taught in schools, so that our future leaders are properly educated on what constitutes sexual assault, its causes, effects and what to do in such instances.
In the advocacy for gender equality and for the end of gender based violence, We do believe education plays a role. We would, on this note, like to propose some causes of rape as a form of sexual assault by Clinical Psychologist, Nicholas Groth, which is suggested by able Wikipedia and recommended by the United Nations Organisation, “Objectification might underlie denial of agency and personhood that leads to rape.” Simply put, this says that rape or any other form of sexual assault is a power play by the perpetrator to feed their innate issues of mastery, control, dominance, strength, intimidation, authority and capability, as well as their need to objectify their victims.
Why then enable such an act by making it all about the victim? Why make the victim who through no fault of theirs have to go through post-traumatic stress disorders still feel they were at fault? Why enable the oppressors by telling them right from the onset that they are entitled to another person’s body by virtue of their dressing? Why justify the perpetrators actions? Why not teach these adolescents about consent - that NO means NO, that there are no blurred lines when it comes to consent, that there is either consensual sex or rape, no in-betweens. Why does our education system which is meant to bring about civilization enable such an act? Why groom individuals to feel entitled to another person’s body by virtue of what they wear or where they find themselves?
We strongly believe the education system has failed us as individuals and it would be sad to see future generations get disappointed in the same way. You have the power to right such wrongs and we believe you will do everything in your capacity to do so. We hope you play your part in changing these toxic narratives for future generations.