Benin Youth Forum Urges Stronger Culture of Consent, Personal Boundaries

A youth-focused forum in Benin City on Friday renewed calls for stronger awareness around consent, bodily autonomy and respectful behaviour among young people, with stakeholders warning that rising exposure, peer pressure and digital influences demand firmer guidance from families and institutions.

The event, the second edition of Comprehending Gen Z + Gen A, themed “My Body and Boundaries” — gathered students, policymakers and child-rights advocates to examine how today’s children and adolescents navigate personal boundaries in an increasingly connected world.

Senator Neda Imasuen, who represents Edo South, delivered the keynote address and stressed that helping boys and girls understand their bodies was central to shaping a fair and safe society.

“Our theme ‘My Body and Boundaries’ is not merely a slogan. It is a call to awareness, respect, and responsibility.

“The girl child must know that her body is hers, not a tool for validation, exploitation, or control. The boy child must equally learn that true strength lies in respect, empathy, and protection, not dominance or entitlement,” he said.

Imasuen urged parents, teachers, traditional institutions and policymakers to jointly build a generation “that honours their bodies and respects others”, adding that empowered children ultimately create stronger families and more peaceful communities.

The Coordinator of the Edo State Office of the First Lady told students that consent must remain non-negotiable in all interactions, warning that inappropriate contact constitutes a boundary violation regardless of gender.

“Anything that happens without your consent is rape,” she said. “It doesn’t matter the gender — boys rape boys now, women rape boys, women rape women. Anyone who touches you inappropriately has crossed your boundary, and it is not acceptable.”

She further cautioned against cultism, drug abuse and indecent dressing, noting that Edo State enforces strict laws against cult-related activities.

A medical practitioner from the University of Benin Health Centre, Dr Osigbovo Eriamiantoe, advised students to take mental well-being seriously, linking substance misuse and cultism to depression and violent behaviour.

Permanent Secretary Iryn Omoroguiwa, who represented the Edo State Commissioner for Youth Affairs, described the programme as a “significant step towards empowering young people” and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to expanding safe spaces for youth engagement.

The forum also featured a talk show, drama sketches and the presentation of gifts to participating schools.