Lagos pledges to address sexual, gender-based violence among PWDs

Lagos State Government has pledged to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities concerning sexual and gender-based violence.

The Executive Secretary of Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, stated this, on Thursday, at a One-Day engagement with Persons with Disabilities on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Lagos organised by LDSVA and Centre for Women’s Health and Information (CEWHIN).

“Today, we gather here to address a critical issue that disproportionately affects persons with disabilities, a community that often faces multiple forms of discrimination and exclusion.

“As the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, I am 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.

“We will explore ways to enhance prevention efforts, improve access to justice, and provide comprehensive support services tailored to the specific needs of this community.”

She promised that the engagement will not be one-off, welcoming ideas, recommendations, and suggestions from participants on how to enhance prevention and remedial interventions, especially as it pertains to persons with deadlines.

“Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone, including persons with disabilities, can live free from violence and discrimination,” Vivour-Adeniyi said.

On her part, the Executive Director, CEWHIN, Atinuke Odukoya, said that it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to create a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, is safe and free from all forms of gender-based violence.

“Today’s programme is designed to provide you with resources, information, support, and inspiration to tackle the issues of SGBV hence preventing occurrences within the person with disability clusters.

“We have a range of topics lined up and we will be discussing as well as networking, all aimed at promoting a society where persons with disabilities are free from sexual and gender-based violence.

“We are honoured to have with us a distinguished group of speakers and facilitators who are passionate advocates for disability rights and inclusion. Their insights and experiences will undoubtedly inspire and empower us all. In the spirit of “nothing for us without us” we also have PWD facilitators.”