A Non-governmental Organisation, Women’s Rights and Health Project(WRAHP) has raised the alarm over rampant and increasing cases of gender-based violence in Lagos communities.
The Executive Director, Bose Ironsi, who drew attention to this during a one-day stakeholders’ dialogue on SGBV organised for 60 traditional rulers and key influencers of opinion.
She explained that WRAHP, in partnership with the Canada Fund For Local Initiative, put together the dialogue to address SGBV in the Alimosho Local Government Area.
Ironsi noted that girls and women are inappropriately affected by all forms of violence including sexual assault, harassment, domestic violence, verbal abuse and emotional violence.
She said, “Today, WHO estimates that globally, about one in three (30%) of women have been subjected to either physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime.
“Community risk is increased by lack of proper understanding of interventions for problems like SGBV.
“Alimosho has the highest incidence of domestic violence in Lagos, especially sexual and gender-based violence.
“According to data made available by the Attorney General of Lagos State, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency received over 4,800 cases from September 2021 to July 2022 with Alimosho recording the highest number of cases for both adults and children.
He, however, said that 50 per cent of the reports were made after 10 years of the subsistence of the marriage.
The executive director revealed that WRAHP, through her project, titled ‘Improving Gender Equality and Protection from SGBV for Women and Girls in Lagos State through capacity building, awareness-raising and psychosocial support services’, and with support from Canada Fund For Local Initiatives, is working to prevent sexual and gender-based violence among women and girls in Alimosho LGA.
According to her, the NGO also seeks to increase access to quality care and psychosocial support services for survivors.
Ironsi said WRAHP has successfully built the capacity of 30 community ambassadors and champions from different community structures including youth clubs, faith-based organisations, women’s and men’s associations, to effectively report cases of SGBV in their communities.
According to her, the dialogue was part effort to bring together 60 traditional rulers and key influencers of opinion in Alimosho LGA to have a better understanding of the Lagos State SGBV Law, prohibiting all forms of SGBV and to develop effective strategies to enforce the Lagos State law in each of the six LCDAs.
Ironsi said discussions surrounding stakeholders’ efforts in addressing SGBV in Alimosho will also be discussed.
A traditional ruler, Oba Kolawole Ajani Egundupe, said that the NGO had enlightened him on various issues and topics surrounding SGBV and promised to raise awareness concerning the issue among his people.
He applauded WRAHP for the bold steps it is taking to ensure that SGBV is curbed.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a legal expert had earlier enlightened the participants on the Lagos State SGBV laws, how to implement them and how to strengthen the role of stakeholders,
A panel session on stakeholders’ efforts in addressing SGBV in Alimosho was held and a communique to protect women and girls against SGBV in Alimosho LGA was adopted. (NAN)