As part of efforts to frontally combat Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), as well as associated vices in the state, the Lagos State government, through the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVRA), recently held a symposium to address some burning issues.
The symposium with the theme, Inter Generational Conversations; Factors and Triggers of Sexual and Gender Based Violence…Charting A way Forward, had in attendance, faith based organisations, community leaders, CDA, CDC, NGO’s, students of the University of Lagos and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Speaking during the symposium, DSVRA’s executive secretary, Titilola Vivour Adeniyi disclosed that the primary objective of the event is to provide a platform where both young and old generations are engaged in a conversation that involves causes, factors and triggers of SGBV.
Speaking further, Adeniyi stated that the forum is an opportunity to interrogate societal cultural norms and other factors which encourage the perpetration of domestic and sexual violence.
“At the end of the conversations, it is our sincere hope that both generations will be guided to chart a way forward in a bid to prevent the occurrence of Sexual and Gender Based Violence.”
Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice Titilayo Shitta Bey, who was represented by the Director, Citizen’s Mediation Centre, Abiola Oseni, underscored the different efforts of the state government in providing holistic response to incidents of domestic and sexual violence.
Shitta-Bey concluded by reiterating the need to offer real and practicable solutions in addressing the root causes of SGBV, which would ultimately lead to prevention.
Keynote speaker and Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences Department, University of Lagos, Akoka, Professor Olufunlayo Bammeke, highlighted the different triggers, causes as well as proffered solutions, some of which includes empowerment for boys and girls, pre marital counselling and life skills, enlightenment programmes aimed at behavioral change, engagement of the private sector to embrace anti-GBV programmes.
Nyma Akashat-Zibiri moderated the panel discussion and panelists included Victor Okpala, Halimat Oshun, Commissioner, Lagos State Audit Commission, Kafilat Ogbara, Engr. Ajibade Oke and Micheal West. Panelists concluded that there is a need to keep the conversations going about SGBV. In addition, they recommended that religious leaders, community leaders, gatekeepers and traditional rulers must collaborate with government to prevent and respond to SGBV.
