A non-governmental organisation, Leadership Initiative For Youth Empowerment (LIFE), has empowered about 300 students from various secondary schools in Lagos State to become change agents against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The group is also currently providing psycho-social support to survivors of GBV, including secondary school students.
The schools are: Jaimure College, Divine Infinity College, Divine International School, Heroes Immaculate College, Nubi Private School and others.
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Esther Oluwatoyin Mokwe, who made the disclosure, said the aim of the programme was to equip students with knowledge and skills needed to recognise, prevent, and address GBV in their schools and communities. She also said it aimed to raise awareness and promote proactive measures within the student community.
She said various forms of GBV prevalent in educational settings include physical abuse, verbal harassment, sexual assault, and bullying.
“Together, we strive to foster a culture of respect, empathy, and equality, where every individual feels safe and empowered to speak out against violence and discrimination,” Mokwe added.
Also, Programme Officer, Ogechi Stephen, said the approach aims to create a safer environment and ensure swift intervention in cases of violence or harassment. She highlighted the importance of the Lagos State Violence Law, stressing the role of the Crisis Response Centre (CRC) in supporting survivors, and urged teachers to report instances of GBV.
