Ain speaks at Unicef's Inspire Conference

Ains says that it is an honour to be part of Unicef's INSPIRE conference and to present the findings of the focus group discussions together with the other youth panelists. Photo: Filepic

Malaysian schoolgirl Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam presented findings of Unicef study: Ending Violence On Young People: Perspectives Of Young People this morning (Tuesday) together with other youth from the region, at Unicef’s INSPIRE conference on "Ending Violence Against Children During Covid-19 And Beyond".

“It’s an honour to be part of the conference and to present the findings of the focus group discussions together with the other youth panelists on the international platform. I hope to advocate for children’s rights in Malaysia, and help to make our voices and opinions heard and considered, especially in policy making,” she said.

According to Unicef, the views of children and young people are critical to ending violence against children. As such, a regional study and focus group discussion was conducted where youth were asked about the three key themes of the conference: positive parenting, back to school and mental health.A total of 9,333 participants across 13 countries – including Cambodia, Federated States of Micronesia, Indonesia, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Thailand, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste and Vietnam – were surveyed.

Ain presented findings on who children would reach out to if they felt anxious; most said they would talk to their friends (39%), their mother or father (38%), or another family member (23%). Very few said they would reach out to a professional, including a school counsellor, to get help.

She also presented the recommendations on how to support the well-being of children and young people. The most popular recommendation was to increase public awareness (45%) on mental well-being, followed by increasing awareness both among children themselves (28%), as well as parents and caregivers (27%).

The survey also asked children how schools can be safer places that promote their mental well-being. The majority asked for a programme in school that promotes well-being (47%). Many wanted policies in schools to prevent bullying and violence (34%) and some recommended teaching students about protecting themselves from violence, including online safety (19%).

Screenshot of Ain presenting findings of the Unicef study.

Ain revealed to The Star that prior to speaking at the event, she'd asked the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, Najat Maalla M'jid about her own experience.

“I asked the SRSG about her experience talking to so many people around the world and the role that youth have in policy making, and about how and what youth have been doing to get the attention from authorities, especially governments.

“And she said it was not an easy process. She told me it is a long and hard journey but encouraged me not to give up and to persevere in my cause.

“Najat shared that during her youth, she was arrested 48 times for her activism! But I’m only being investigated for one case right now,” said Ain.

“I also had the opportunity to hear from many other student activists all across the world about their experiences and struggles in their part of the world,” she said, adding that it was "an honour" to be part of the international conference.

Ain’s father Saiful Nizam Abdul Wahab said that this was a good opportunity and exposure for Ain.

“This is a very good exposure and opportunity for Ain in voicing the concerns of Malaysian children at the highest level, especially regarding their rights in access to quality education and a safer environment. We hope that a better approach and policy will be implemented by the government,” he told The Star.