LAGOS/Nigeria: The Lagos State Government, through its Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), has called on community leaders to take a more active role in combating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
This charge was delivered by the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, during a one-day training session held in Ikeja on Tuesday.
The event, themed “Community Leaders: Flagbearers in the Fight against SGBV,” underscored the critical role that community leaders play in addressing and preventing SGBV within their communities.
Vivour-Adeniyi, represented by Mr. Damilare Adewusi, Head of Community Engagement at DSVA, emphasized that community leaders, by virtue of their positions, are at the forefront of the battle against SGBV.
“Community leaders are pivotal in shaping decisions, policies, and initiatives aimed at addressing and preventing SGBV. Their influence can establish community norms that reject violence and promote respect for all individuals,” she said.
Vivour-Adeniyi also highlighted the importance of impartiality when dealing with reported cases, noting that the engagement of community leaders is crucial for effective grassroots intervention.
Mrs. Timininu Oni, Head of the Case Management Unit at DSVA, explained that SGBV affects everyone, either directly or indirectly. She attributed the root causes of gender-based violence to gender inequality, patriarchy, and power imbalances. Oni defined SGBV as any act of violence targeting individuals or groups based on their gender, encompassing sexual, physical, psychological, and emotional abuse.
“Gender-based violence is a harmful act perpetrated against a person’s will and based on socially-ascribed gender differences,” Oni stated.
The legal framework protecting individuals from SGBV in Lagos State was also highlighted by Mrs. Yetunde Odekunle, Head of the Legal Department at DSVA.
She outlined key legislation, including the Protection Against Domestic Violence Law of 2015, the Criminal Law of Lagos State of 2015, and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law of 2021. Odekunle stressed that these laws protect not only women but also men, boys, and girls from domestic violence.
Alhaji Azeez Amusat, Chairman of the Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council, praised the training for enhancing community leaders’ understanding of sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and domestic violence.
“Many people wrongly assume that sexual and gender-based violence concerns only women, but it affects men, children, adults, and youth as well. This program has educated us on what the law requires and what actions are prohibited. We anticipate a reduction in such violence as no one wants to face legal consequences,” Amusat remarked.
