Efforts to end widespread abuse and combat gender-based violence have been launched in Lagos.
The initiative was at the behest of Sterling One Foundation (SOF), in collaboration with the British High Commission and Live Abundantly, which officially announced the 2023 edition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria.
The launch, featuring a film screening titled, Chatroom produced by Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of SOF, addressed a stark reality highlighting distressing statistics, and revealing that one in three women and one in six boys have experienced violations, underscoring the urgent need for collective action to eliminate gender-based violence.
The annual United Nations initiative, spanning from November 25 to December 10 International Human Rights Day, serves as a global campaign to eradicate violence against women and children.
Introduced in 1991, the campaign has grown to address violence against both genders, drawing a participation from over 6,000 organizations across 187 countries.
Lagos Health Commissioner, Professor Akin Abayomi, reiterated the state’s commitment to combating gender-based violence, citing the establishment of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), under its THEME Agenda.
Key stakeholders, including the Deputy British High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter, advocated for legislative measures to protect human right, emphasizing collaboration between the government and the public.
Dr. Ama Oyerinma, Founder of Live Abundantly shed light on the underreporting in provided statistics, urging individuals to use their voices to amplify awareness about gender-based violence, as reporting is crucial for social justice, protection and advocacy.
Goodwill messages were sent in from Dr. Adewale Oyerinde of the Nigerian Empoyers Association and Pearl Uzokwe of Malaria Fund, Nigeria, with both of them emphasizing the multi-dimensional nature of the issue and commending the efforts of the Lagos state government in prioritizing the elimination of gender-based violence.
