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The Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs, LASODA, and the Centre for Women’s Health in Nigeria, CEWHIN, has empowered 100 persons with disabilities, PWDs, to effectively tackle sexual and gender-based violence, SGBV.
The one-day sensitization workshop, held recently, focused on equipping PWDs with essential tools to prevent and respond to SGBV in their communities.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, emphasized the vulnerability of PWDs to violence, stating,
“We recognize that persons with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to sexual and gender-based violence. This platform allows us to collaborate, share experiences, and create effective strategies to tackle these issues.”
Vivour-Adeniyi further affirmed Lagos State’s commitment to justice and protection for all residents, highlighting the importance of inclusive interventions.
“This workshop was designed to strengthen our prevention and intervention efforts,” she added, assuring participants that the DSVA would continue to explore ways to enhance justice access and provide specialized support services for PWDs facing SGBV.
In her goodwill message, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, General Manager of LASODA, praised the initiative as a critical step toward ensuring safer spaces for PWDs across Lagos.
“We must educate PWDs on their rights and legal protections, empowering them to stand up for themselves and seek justice,” she stated, as represented by Mrs. Foluso Adeolu, LASODA’s Director of Monitoring and Evaluation.
Mrs. Atinuke Odukoya, team lead of CEWHIN, also commended the program for equipping participants with vital knowledge. “This training provides valuable resources to tackle gender-based violence within PWD clusters, ensuring they are not left behind in the fight against SGBV,” she remarked.
The program’s facilitator, Stella Osho, led an insightful session, walking participants through the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence and its impact on PWDs. “Our goal is to offer practical advice on how to address and prevent these issues,” Osho explained, equipping participants with the necessary knowledge to protect themselves and their communities.
The workshop is part of ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government to create an inclusive, violence-free environment for all residents, particularly persons with disabilities.
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