NGO sensitise community on sexual violence

Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP) has on Tuesday sensitised 50 Ijegun Community Members on sexual violence.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the even took place at Authentic Office, 8 Fatai Aileru street, Kudeyibu Estate, Ijegun, Alimosho L.G.A

Bose Ironsi, Executive Director said that WRAHP through her project titled “Protecting Women and Girls from Sexual Violence through Changes in behaviour, practices and Attitudes of Community Members in three Local Government Areas in Lagos State, Nigeria.” with support from African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) was implementing a 24-month project.

Ironsi said that the project aimed at preventing sexual violence among women and girls, increasing access of survivors to quality care and psychosocial support services.

“The local governments include: Alimosho, Ojo and Oshodi/Isolo LGAs. This initiative aims to offer a platform for participants to access professional, confidential, and compassionate legal advice.

“Beyond providing legal advice, the clinic will serve as an educational platform, empowering participants with knowledge about their rights under key legal frameworks, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP) etc.

“The clinic offers comprehensive services to ensure survivors receive holistic support. Participants will access counselling services on human rights, SGBV laws, and practical safety planning.

“Through knowledge-sharing sessions, survivors and community members will gain invaluable insights into their legal rights and the resources available to them, fostering greater awareness and resilience within the community” she said.

Ironsi said that the initiative extends its reach beyond individual survivors by engaging the broader community, working closely with key stakeholders, including artisans, market traders, and religious leaders.

She noted that the clinic promotes a collaborative approach to addressing SGBV. This inclusive engagement seeks to build a network of informed and supportive community structures that actively contribute to the prevention of abuse and the protection of survivors.

She said that the initiative reinforces WRAHP’s mission to promote a safe, informed, and empowered society where the rights of women and girls are protected and upheld.

Also, Mr Leye Solomon, a human right activist said that violence against women was on the high side in the community.

Solomon said that mostly the fault usually comes from the man and women are not speaking out.

He said that the culture of silence lies with the women in the community that at first when the act was being perpetrated, they will speak out but after some days they begin to back out.

A participant, Blessing Odega said that the sensitisation was apt that most women don’t know what to do when their rights are being violated.