Founded on 11th October 2012 is the International Day of the Girl Child. It is an international observance day declared by the United Nations which is dedicated to creating awareness about the issues faced by girls in relation to gender inequality.
Some of the famous issues faced include sexual harassment, violence against women, glass ceiling, early child marriage, little or no access to education etc. “Sexual harassment happens daily, it may not necessarily involve physical contact, even looking at a lady in a way that makes her feel uncomfortable is considered as harassment” accedes Fiona Kavakure, Eastern Mediterranean University International Office Research Assistant.
When asked about her thoughts on the day declared for female children, Business and Economics (Turkish Program) Faculty Research Assistant, Seher Işler said, “According to children’s psychology, such gender discriminations are not acceptable, and I believe in measures against violence and sexual harassment of girls”.
In an attempt to help curb the issues faced on campus by girls daily, A Center for Women’s studies was set up by the University with Assoc. Professor Dr. Süheyla Erbilen as the President of the executive board. This center provides assistance to girls on campus who go through any form of harassment. It raises awareness about gender issues, contributes to the development and change of policies addressing the problems women face.
Speaking about measures taken by the university to help curb the gender issues faced on campus by females, Aida Arianngad, an Iranian Research Assistant also in the Business Department said, “Although there’s a centre for Women Studies in the University, their impact is rarely felt. More awareness should be created by them”.
However, a conference is being organised in March 2017 by the Center for Women Studies. The conference sough to explore the following themes; gender, conflict, war, peace and more. We earnestly wait for this conference.
There are 1.1 billion girls in the world today, each brimming with creativity and an ocean full of dreams and potential, help make these dreams come true by saying no to any form of discrimination or violence against them.
By Jemimah Atii
