LASG ORGANISES SYMPOSIUM ON FACTORS, TRIGGERS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has organised a symposium for stakeholders as part of its efforts to combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
Speaking at the symposium with the theme: “Inter-Generational Conversations: Factors and Triggers of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence – Charting A Way Forward”, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, reiterated the efforts of the State Government to provide a holistic response to the incidence of domestic and sexual violence in Lagos.
Shitta-Bey, represented at the event by the Director, Citizen’s Mediation Centre (CMC), Mrs. Abiola Oseni, underscored the need to offer real and practicable solutions in addressing the root causes of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), which would result in its total eradication.
In her contribution, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Ms. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, disclosed that the primary objective of the symposium was to provide a platform where both young and old generations are engaged in conversation that involves causes, factors and triggers of SGBV.
Vivour-Adeniyi spoke further that the forum created an opportunity to interrogate societal-cultural norms and other factors that encourage the perpetration of domestic and sexual violence.
She said: “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”.
A keynote speaker at the symposium Professor Olufunlayo Bammeke, Dean – Faculty of Sociology, Department of Sociology, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, highlighted the different triggers as well as causes and proffered solutions, some of which include empowerment programmes for boys and girls, premarital counselling and life skills, enlightenment programmes aimed at behavioural change, engagement of the private sector to embrace anti-SGBV programmes, among others.
The panel discussion was moderated by Mrs. Nyma Akashat-Zebiri of “Your View” (TVC). Panelists included Mr. Victor Okpala-Nabsolute, Media; Ms. Halimat Oshun; Mrs. Kafilat Ogbara – Commissioner, Lagos State Audit Commission; Engr. Ajibade Oke, Member Rotary Club and Mr. Micheal West.
The participants identified the need to keep conversations going about Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, just as they recommended that religious leaders, community leaders, gatekeepers and traditional rulers must work hand in hand with the government to prevent and respond to the menace.
GA/TMS/OS
