Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has reiterated effort to eradicate gender-based violence through behavioural mindset programmes, sensitisations and training of all relevant stakeholders and residents of the state.
  
Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, stated this at the agency’s awareness programme, tagged: “Man Wey Sabi” held at Tejuoso market, Yaba.
  
According to her, the programme aimed at addressing stereotypes associated with gender violence and inequality in Lagos.. Vivour-Adeniyi said it was a collective responsibility to ensure women are not held back in any way, be it socially, culturally and professionally, adding that the ultimate goal was to prevent domestic violence from happening in a home.
 
She called on civil society, traditional and religious leaders, as well as residents to relentlessly continue to clamour for gender equality and gender access.
 
“What we are doing today is to put the spotlight on the men. We are not just looking at them from the lens of them being abusers, but we are also trying to conscript them in our army, working against domestic and sexual violence.

“The truth of the matter is that we have women who have lost their lives, simply because they did not cook or did not provide food at the time their spouse expected it of them.
 
“Ultimately what we are trying to encourage here is partnership in marriages.  
 
“We want to let our men know that men also cook, and having interest in the welfare of your children won’t make you less of a man, as marriage is a mutual union that requires partnership and submission,” she added.
  
Also, head of Audit, DSVA and chairman, “Man Wey Sabi” planning committee, Oladimeji Babajide, noted that changing gender stereotypes was key in the attainment of a free society, adding that couples should see themselves as partners as this would pave the way for peace.
  
Oladimeji said the event was a platform to educate couples in various communities on the devastating effects of domestic violence and the need for a collaborative marriage.
  
Similarly, Iyaloja of Tejuosho Market Phase, Naheemat Majek-Fadimiluyi, emphasised the need to close the gender gaps by creating an environment that allows every woman to have equal opportunity for growth and development.
 
She said that the programme would help to enlighten the people, especially traders in the market, to train their families and relate better with their neighbours.
  
“We have been getting reports to this effect. Whatever we hear in the news is what is happening, and we thank the Lagos State government for all the effort they have been making to reduce the situation. 
  
“My message to them is, whenever messages from the government on domestic violence are brought to their market they should extend it to their families, neighbours and church members,” she added.