Lagos State government has stepped up its advocacy on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, SGBV in the state and this time with focus on the grassroots.
The state through the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA continued with the enlightenment campaign as it engaged artisans and Community Development Association CDC/CDA members.
Riding on the slogan SGBV; “NOT IN MY LAGOS” the agency, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Wealth Creation as well as the Chairmen of all the Local Governments had over 150 participants in attendance.
The Executive Secretary of the Lagos DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour Adeniyi said that the essence of the programme is to highlight their role as responders to the incidents of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence that occur in their respective communities.
Vivour-Adeniyi maintained that the state government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is committed to zero tolerance against any form of sexual violence and would stop at nothing to ensure justice is served.
She noted that local communities remain genuine stakeholders and play a pivotal role in preventing SGBV, as she encouraged them to always partner with the government to reduce incidents to the bearest minimum.
During her presentation, the Executive Secretary emphasised the need to be informed about the relevant laws on SGBV in the state, as she identified the infringements of the offences as well as the punishment attached.
Mandate Reporters
The Executive Director of the Centre for Women’s Health in Nigeria, Mrs. Atinuke Odukoya also took the participants through the various forms of abuse and the need for them to be mandated reporters in their respective communities and places of work and also assured that reporting cases was mandatory.
Another resource person, Mrs. Tumininu Oni explored the existing state structures, where she explained the holistic approach to eradicating sexual and gender-based violence in the state. She encouraged participants to report any form of abuse through the toll-free number – 08000333333 of the Agency.
The participants lauded the initiative of the state government through the agency to ensure that they are well informed about incidents of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence which are under-reported in various communities due to ignorance of the law.
They also commended DSVA for opening their understanding to some duties that can bring about a sane environment and improve families as well as further develop the state.
Dominica Nwabufo
