Foundation leads over 80 children, parents to seek end to GBV
As the 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) ended yesterday, the wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has called for speedy investigation of rape cases.

The governor’s wife, in a demonstration of a strong stance against sexual and gender-based violence and with a deepened commitment to advocacy towards eliminating all forms of violence against both genders, engaged students, government agencies, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) that support victims of rape cases to drive meaningful change and bring the incidents to the lowest minimum.

The three-day intensive engagement session was part of activities put together by the First Lady to commemorate this year’s 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, with the theme: “Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls.”

Sanwo-Olu’s wife, during these engagements, listened to the challenges of the stakeholders, identified solutions, and sought synergy among all concerned parties in cases of sexual and gender-based violence, just as she also raised awareness about the importance of swift investigation of rape cases to bring justice to survivors and create a safer environment for all.

According to a statement, yesterday, the wife of the governor, who organised an interactive school advocacy seminar for selected students from six Lagos State Secondary Schools at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall, University of Lagos, Akoka, earlier in the week, encouraged the students to join the GBV campaign by participating actively in discussions on issues around the menace and proffering possible solutions.

She, however, enlightened the students on how to seek assistance when needed, stressing that no child or woman should be subjected to the harrowing experience of defilement, rape and sexual violence crimes.

SIMILARLY, Ovie Brume Foundation has led over 80 children and parents to seek an end to GBV in communities across Lagos State.

Programme Assistant and Student Coordinator of the Foundation, Eze Nkemjika Peace, who spoke during an advocacy walk in Surulere and its environs, at the weekend, said the Foundation had discovered a large number of victims in Lagos State.

She said some of the victims do not have someone to talk to or know how to seek help because of the fear of speaking up.

Peace, who said that some perpetrators had been punished while some escaped being punished, implored government officials and organisations to come out and help the victims of gender-based violence.

She lamented that the societies, families and the victims are not helping to address the issue, as the victims go back to defend the perpetrators, making the fight against the inhumane act difficult.