Ain Husniza to Speak at Unicef Conference on Children’s Rights

The 17-year-old outspoken student Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam has been invited to speak at the United Nations Children’s Fund, Inspire Conference.

Ain made headlines for releasing a video on TikTok speaking up against her teacher who made rape jokes in class, also started the online #MakeSchoolASaferPlace movement. She will speak at the Unicef virtual event which be held from Nov 1 – 5.

The incident also forced Malaysians to take notice of a topic that is brushed aside for being petty. Many spoke out against it and called out for comprehensive sexuality education in order to protect children.

In a Facebook post by her father, it was stated that she will be joining Dr Najat Maalla M’jid, who is the special representative of the UN secretary-general as a panelist on Oct 30.

Ain is expected to present views and suggestions on children’s rights in Malaysia, ranging from access to quality education, improving safety at schools and mental wellbeing.

A total seven representatives from East Asia and Pacific countries were selected, including Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia and Malaysia.

The discussion will take place on Zoom and will also be shared live on Facebook.

Hopefully, with the space and opportunity provided, this will open a more dynamic future to the process of adapting to the post-pandemic changes of Covid-19 for all, especially children, he added.

INSPIRE was launched alongside the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children in 2016. It is a set of seven evidence-based strategies for countries and communities working to eliminate violence against children and serves as a technical package and guidebook for implementing effective, comprehensive programming to combat violence.

The seven strategies are: Implementation and enforcement of laws; Norms and values; Safe environments; Parent and caregiver support; Income and economic strengthening; Response and support services; and Education and life skills.