Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have been urged to unite and take collective action against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).This call was made during a two-day advocacy training held in Lagos for PWDs affected by SGBV. The event was organised by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LSDSVA) in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) and International IDEA.

Speaking at the training, the Executive Director of the Centre for Women’s Health and Information (CEWHIN), Mrs Atinuke Odukoya, stressed the importance of advocacy as a tool to challenge societal injustices, establish causes, influence authorities, promote group interests, and drive meaningful change.

She outlined the essential elements of effective advocacy, including identifying key issues, understanding target stakeholders, crafting and delivering impactful messages, and implementing strategic communication methods. Mrs Odukoya also highlighted the need for advocacy action plans, fundraising strategies, and consistent implementation.

“Advocacy is not just about the issue, but about the people behind it,” she told participants.Executive Secretary of LSDSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, underscored the need to empower disability clusters with critical knowledge on SGBV. She noted that such knowledge equips PWDs to conduct effective advocacy and understand their rights.

Vivour-Adeniyi further stressed the importance of being familiar with existing laws and knowing referral points. She also emphasised the need for free support services and access to care, as well as building strong relationships with PWDs to encourage reporting and proper case referrals.

General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, said the training would enhance participants’ understanding and improve their access to justice. She called for more educational and empowering engagements for PWDs in Lagos and beyond.