In its bid to tackle the high rates of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Lagos State, the Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP), in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria through the Renewed Women’s Voice Leadership Nigeria, yesterday, conducted a training session on SGBV prevention in the state.

The stakeholders’ engagement, held at the Ishagatedo Hall, Lagos State, focused on strengthening community collaboration to prevent and combat SGBV.

The project, titled “Community Legal Clinic for Oshodi-Isolo Local Council,” is supported by Global Affairs Canada.

Programme Officer of WRAHP, Precious Ndukwu, who spoke at the event, underscored the importance of community partnerships in protecting the rights of persons and ensuring zero tolerance for all forms of SGBV crimes through enacted laws and policies geared towards prevention, response and provisional support to survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

She said: “The training became pertinent to educate community members on their rights with respect to SGBV crimes and ensure justice for vulnerable groups. It is important that everyone is abreast of information about their rights to enable everyone to know their role in preventing GBV in the society.

“If more people are aware of their rights, then they can defend themselves in incidents of abuse.”

We want a society where women and girls can fully achieve their potential and thrive in their endeavours without their rights being infringed upon and their voices being clamped down on.”

Earlier, a legal practitioner and Managing Partner at Gracefield Chamber, Amaka Agianpuye, who spoke on relevant laws and legal backing against SGBV crimes, explained different acts that constitute domestic violence to include physical abuse, sexual abuse/exploitation, including but not limited to rape, incest and sexual assault, emotional and psychological abuse, intimidation, blackmailing, harassment, and others.

She, therefore, called for stronger legislative action, improved survivor support services, and greater community involvement in tackling Gender-Based Violence (GBV), warning that violence against women and girls remains a major public health and development challenge.

One of the participants at the event, Silifat Adebayo, stressed that GBV should no longer be regarded as a private family issue but as a public health concern, a barrier to justice and inclusive growth.

The non-governmental organisation, however, urged the traditional and religious leaders to continue promoting values that protect the dignity of women and girls, discourage harmful practices and support justice for survivors.

It also appealed to community partners to sustain advocacy, community education and service delivery efforts, while amplifying survivors’ voices and helping break the culture of silence and stigma.