The Organization for Health Education and Prevention Against Sexual Abuse (OHEPASA) is a non-governmental organization founded in October 2023, dedicated to combating sexual abuse and gender-based violence. In response to the high prevalence of these issues, the founder, Umoh Mary Charles, established OHEPASA to readdress the situation through education, awareness, and community-driven action.

At the heart of our mission lies the belief that early education and awareness are powerful tools in safeguarding lives and shaping a healthier future. This belief is captured in our guiding slogan, Catch Them Young.

OHEPASA focuses on educating children, adolescents, and communities about the prevention of gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and rape, while also promoting gender equality, respect, and personal boundaries. Through interactive workshops, school outreaches, awareness campaigns, and community-based programs, we equip young people with the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves and others from abuse.

We recognize that sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) has profound health implications, physical, psychological, and social. Its effects can be immediate or long-lasting, often affecting survivors’ well-being and opportunities in life. These impacts include physical injury, emotional trauma, reproductive and maternal health challenges, and lasting social consequences, particularly among children and adolescents.

Our organization adopts a victim-centered approach, striving to eliminate sexual exploitation, violation, and harassment from every level of society. OHEPASA envisions a world where every child and youth can grow up free from the threat of sexual and gender-based violence , a world where awareness leads to prevention and every voice is heard.

Together, we can build a future rooted in dignity, equality, and compassion.