Lagos Engages Persons with Disabilities on Sexual, Gender-Based Violence

Lagos State government has engaged representatives of the various disabilities clusters in preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence especially as it concerns Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The one-day sensitization programme according to the Lagos Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), was designed to highlight issues affecting PWDs in the state and to create a path for an inclusive and equitable society where everyone, including this community, can live free from violence and discrimination.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of Lagos State DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi said there is a need to address the issue that disproportionately affects persons with disabilities, a community that often faces multiple forms of discrimination and exclusion.

Vivour-Adeniyi explained that Lagos State has been at the forefront of ensuring the protection of the challenged in the society, stressing that the robust sessions at the event will enhance the prevention and remedial intervention efforts.

“At the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, we are deeply committed to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have access to Justice, support, and protection from violence. 

“We recognize that persons with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to sexual and gender-based violence due to a variety of factors, including physical and cognitive limitations, lack of awareness, and limited access to support services.”

“This engagement provides a unique opportunity for us to come together, share experiences, and discuss strategies to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in relation to sexual and gender-based violence,” she said

She however promised that the state through the agency will further explore ways to enhance prevention efforts, improve access to justice, and provide comprehensive support services tailored to the specific needs of this community.

Vital Steps

In her Goodwill message, the General Manager of Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal said the programme is a vital step in creating safer environments for PWDs, both in their homes and the wider community and that it will not only raise awareness but also promote an important dialogue about the legal protections available to PWDs.

Oyetunde-Lawal who was represented by the Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Orientation of LASODA, Mrs. Foluso Adeolu said by educating participants about their rights and the mechanisms in place to protect them, the state is equipping PWDs with the tools they need to stand up for themselves and seek the justice they deserve.

Empowerment 

Team lead of the Centre for Women’s Health and Information (CEWHIN), Mrs. Atinuke Odukoya also lauded the initiative aimed at empowering persons with disabilities with information and knowledge on preventing and responding to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

Odukoya said that it is a collective responsibility to create a world where everyone is safe and free from all forms of gender-based violence as the programme would provide the participants with resources, information, support, and inspiration to tackle the issues of SGBV and preventing occurrences within the person with disability clusters.

Instilling knowledge

Facilitators, Mrs. Yetunde Odekunle, Mrs. Abdullahi Oluwafunmilayo, Pamela Stephen, and Mrs. Stella Osho took the participants through Legal frameworks and Protection of Survivors of SGBV, the understanding of domestic and sexual violence and its implications, and Empowering PWDs to respond appropriately to SGBV.

Two of the Participants, Mrs. Adekankun Oluwatoyin Grace, and Mr. Emmanuel Enemona Audu lauded the organizers of the training and expressed gratitude to the State government for bringing the educative initiative to their community even as they reassured the government of their commitment to ensuring the information is cascaded to their various communities.