LAGOS CALLS FOR ACTION AGAINST SEXUAL AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Gbenga Adewale

As part of efforts to stem the tide on tendencies of sexual and domestic violence across the state, the Lagos State Government through the Office of Sustainable Development Goals and Investment in conjunction with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LSDSVA) has call on community leaders to support government initiatives in the fight against all form of violence against women and children.

Speaking at a sensitisation program held at  Onigbingbo Local Council Development Area, the Permanent Secretary,  Office of SDGs and Investment, Mrs. Abosede George stated that the present administration has always honour the commitment to promote and create a safer environment for its citizens and empowered women and girls to amplify their voices.

She explained that to effectively combat gender-based violence, we need to understand the  causes, forms and the implications to our collective development, revealing that the Lagos State Government is vehemently intensifying advocacy efforts in ensuring residents of Lagos State become better informed on their role in defeating this appalling trend.

The Permanent Secreatry revealed that everyday presents an opportunity to examine his behaviours and beliefs for biases that permit the culture of violence to continue, adding that we must think about how we define gender and how our biases and stereotypes influence gender imbalance.

She posited that from the attitudes we have about gender identities to the policies we support in our communities, we can all take action to stand against the culture of violence.

“As government, we are making strategic and informed decision to close the gap in addressing violence against women and girls, ensure essential services for survivors of violence are maintained during this crisis, implement prevention measures, and invest in collecting the data necessary to adapt and improve life-saving services for women and girls”, she revealed.

While charging parents, guardians and caregivers to be steadfast in their responsibilities, she described the role of community leaders and other stakeholders as crucial role in orientating members of their communities on the respecting the right of women and girl child.

According to her, the examples we set for the younger generation shape the way they think about gender, respect and human rights. Let us start conversations about gender roles early on, and challenge our values that continue to set us backward.

Also present at the event are the Executive Secretary LSDSVA, Executive Chairman, Onigbongbo LCDA, Hon. Oladotun Olakanle, his Vice, Hon. Rekiya Hassan, members of the Local Executive Council, Traditional and religious leaders among others.