A few years ago, an innocent girl who constantly complained about painful periods was wrongly advised by a boyfriend that the only way to overcome the pain was to have sex. Knowing little about the outcome of such a decision, she gave in with the hope of getting relief but instead became pregnant.

In order to avoid such cases and raise awareness about reproductive health among the youth, Education times has launched weekly Open discussions with students in order to expand their knowledge about reproductive health issues in education.

This week, students of Inyange Girls’ School of Sciences shared with uswhat their first reaction would be if they were raped.

Pamela Isimbi

I just hate thinking about rape ever since my cousin was raped by a neighbour and she got pregnant. Ofcourse she went ahead and gave birth. Rapists are part of society and should be dealt with severely in order to serve as a deterrant.

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Shakila Tuyishimire

I would immediately go to hospital for assessment. I have a friend who was raped four years ago but later recovered and is now studying normally. The girl unfortunately has never known the offender. The Government should continue to deploy police everywhere to ensure the safety of girls who walk at night.

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Shola Gallard Iliza

I would consult a doctor even before telling my mum and relatives. My message to men (rapists) is that they should know we are also human and don’t deserve to be treated like that. Imagine if it is your daughter who is raped, how would you feel?

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Adelaide Irategeka

I’m not sure what my first reaction would be if I was raped but I just request government to tighten the security across the country. In 2010 a friend of mine got raped but was rescued by residents in that area. She was rushed to hospital and is ok.

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Afsanat Ineza

I would call the police immediately if I were unlucky to be raped. But I think dressing skimpily is a big temptation for these ‘beasts’ and should be avoided. While moving on the streets, girls should watch out for these kind of people because they indeed exist.

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Bonita Mucyo

Instead of telling everyone that I have been raped, I would rush home and tell my people in order to avoid being made fun of. However, I believe both the rapist and victim usually have something to do with the rape.

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Celine Shema Ashimwe

It would be hard to believe that I’ve been raped but I think I would first call the police. I know they would arrest the rapist and rush me to the nearest health centre. I have heard stories of girls who have been raped but I don’t know any one who has been abused.

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Bonaventure Joyce Usengineza

I would rush to hospital in case I got raped. I would open up to the doctor and I believe they would give me the necessary drugs. I think rapists are the worst people in this world and that’s why I never sympathise with them when the police punish them.

If you have a comment or want the Education Times Open Voice team to visit your school, please send an email to education@newtimes.co.rw