SGBV: LAGOS DSVA TAKES ADVOCACY TO IKEJA RESIDENTS' DOORSTEPS
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) Community Engagement team has spearheaded an impactful door-to-door sensitization campaign across the Ikeja Local Government Area recently.
The initiative aims to significantly raise awareness about the critical issues of sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and cultivate a strong culture of zero tolerance within the community.
The Onilekere Community Development Association (CDA) played a vital role in the campaign's success. Community leaders actively participated, receiving comprehensive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials and thorough briefings on the multifaceted nature of SGBV and the established effective reporting mechanisms.
The leaders expressed commitment to disseminating this crucial information widely among their community members, fostering an environment characterized by openness and readily available support.
The extensive outreach saw the DSVA team engaging directly with residents and stakeholders at various key points throughout Ikeja. This included interactions along Otunba Oludare Lane, Babaponmile Street, Onigbongbo Road, Sunday Farm Estate, Olaniyi Adebanke Close, Egba Street, and Alhaji Shodeke Street, as well as at the bustling Cement bus stop.
The campaign also extended its reach to prominent religious institutions such as the LASUTH LASUCOM Mosque and the Nasirudeen Central Mosque, alongside Living Faith Church Onilekere and Celestial Church of Christ Onipetesi Cathedral.
Healthcare facilities, including the Lagos State Teaching Hospital, the Eko Hospital, Olukayode Hospital, Onipetesi, and the Alhaji Dally Adeokun Health Post, were also key points of engagement.
Furthermore, the team connected with individuals at the Kokoro mechanic workshop, Onilekere Junior High School, Kenvic Private School, Ifesowapo Market Onilekere, Kokoro Market, Agunbiade Market, and the Chief Nelson Vocational and Skill Acquisition Institute, ensuring a broad spectrum of the community was reached.
During these direct engagements, residents received crucial education on the inherent dangers of SGBV, the paramount importance of reporting incidents without delay, and the comprehensive support services readily available to them. A strong emphasis was placed on utilizing DSVA's toll-free helpline (08000-333-333) for confidential and immediate reporting of any SGBV-related concerns.
The SGBV Family Support Unit (FSU) Officer at Area F Police Station Ikeja expressed strong commendation for DSVA's proactive and impactful efforts in combating SGBV, pledging an unwavering commitment to tirelessly address this significant societal challenge.
Notably, tricycle riders operating at Agunbiade Market voiced their sincere gratitude for the enlightening information, particularly regarding the toll-free number, and pledged to actively report any instances of child abuse, sexual abuse, and domestic violence they might witness.
The robust campaign underscores DSVA's steadfast commitment to strengthening vital community networks aimed at both the prevention and effective reporting of SGBV.
The initiative successfully reached over 14,000 individuals within the Ikeja community. While the campaign was met with a widespread positive reception, some CDA representatives highlighted the ongoing need for sustained educational initiatives to cultivate a deeper sense of community-driven responsibility in addressing a range of social issues.
Through its continued engagement with community representatives and traditional leaders, DSVA remains dedicated to fostering safer and more supportive environments for all residents across Lagos State.
More photos below.
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