The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), under the visionary leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating gender-based violence through a sensitisation walk held on Monday,
This event marks the commencement of the global “16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, highlighted the urgent need for collective action in addressing violence against women and girls.
She described gender-based violence as one of the most pervasive yet under-reported human rights violations globally and stressed the importance of the campaign’s theme, “Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”
She noted that the Lagos State Government, through WAPA, has implemented a series of strategic interventions aimed at addressing the root causes and consequences of violence.
These include strengthening legal frameworks in collaboration with stakeholders to enforce laws such as the Domestic Violence Protection Law, providing financial independence to women through tuition-free skills acquisition centres, and promoting awareness through community sensitisation campaigns and advocacy initiatives.
The Commissioner also emphasised the importance of supporting survivors of violence through shelters, counselling centres, and helplines, as well as fostering innovative engagement platforms such as forums on sexual and gender-based violence for couples and training sessions for marriage registrars to combat gender-based violence.
Hon. Dada further called on men to take an active role as allies in the fight against violence, reminding everyone that gender-based violence is not just a women’s issue but a societal challenge that requires collective effort.
She urged all participants to carry the message of respect, equality, and advocacy into their homes, workplaces, and communities.
The sensitization walk brought together government officials, stakeholders, advocates, and members of the community, all united in their resolve to build a society where every woman and girl can thrive free from fear, violence, and discrimination.
The Lagos State Government remains unwavering in its mission to create a safe and just society, fostering an environment where women and girls live without oppression or inequality.
