The Lagos State Government, through the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), on Thursday, inducted 200 students of the Education District I as SGBV Ambassadors in line with its resolve to stem the tide of the menace of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across the state.
Speaking during the induction ceremony held at Iyana Ipaja, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi charged the 200 ambassadors to propagate zero tolerance to sexual and gender-based violence.
Viviour-Adeniyi, represented by Mr. Damilare Adewusi, Head of Community Engagement in the Agency, said that the 200 students chosen from 20 Schools under the District were inducted into Kings and Queens Clubs to tackle headlong SGBV which is becoming prevalent in the state.
According to her, the initiative of the Kings and Queens Club was conceived to create a sustainable social structure in educational institutions that will help debunk socio-cultural misconceptions and change the social construct.
She stressed the need to continue to promote and empower femininity by inculcating behavioural and attitudinal change in the minds of young girls in Lagos State, the initiative would assist in constituting an alliance of trained young girls and boys in schools, who would serve as peer educators and advocates of positive femininity and masculinity in their respective communities.
The Executive Secretary disclosed that the clubs would also expose the girls and boys to increased knowledge of Gender-Based Violence and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH).
The Facilitator for the Kings’ Club, Mr. Oluwatobi Ikudaisi said: “The issue of SGBV is quite unfortunate. Hence, it is essential for us to bring up this initiative to help with shaping and curbing this social ill that is on the increase in Lagos State”.
Similarly, the Facilitator for Queens’ Club, Ayomipo Adesiyun advised students to pass on the knowledge acquired during the six weeks of training to other students, families and friends.
