Group hosts legal clinic to tackle SGBV in Lagos community

By Lukman Olabiyi and Bianca Iboma-Emefu

The Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP), through its Ireti Resource Centre, has hosted a community legal clinic in the Igbo-Elerin community of Ojo Local Government, Lagos ,aimed at addressing the growing challenge of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

The legal clinic is part of WRAHP’s ongoing 24-month project titled “Protecting Women and Girls from Sexual Violence through Changes in Behaviours, Practices, and Attitudes”, funded by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF).

The initiative targets three key LGAs in the  state: Alimosho, Ojo, and Oshodi/Isolo, with the goal of preventing sexual violence and enhancing access to survivor-centered care and psychosocial support.

Centre Manager of Ireti Resource Centre, Precious Eberechukwu, described the legal clinic as a crucial component of ongoing sensitization efforts across the state.

“Our outreach has already increased awareness, encouraged reporting, and spurred proactive interventions within communities. We want everyone to understand that they are mandatory reporters of abuse, especially within families, should never be ignored,” she said.

Speaking at the event, an expert Cynthia Ibe, with over 12 years of experience in SGBV related law, emphasized the need to report child abuse regardless of familial ties.

She cited relevant legal frameworks, including Nigeria’s Child Rights Act and the Special Offenses Court, and highlighted a disturbing increase in cases of sodomy and related abuses.

Ibe urged parents to closely monitor their children and to report any suspected abuse without delay.

Legal practitioner,  Amaka Agianpoya ,also addressed the audience, stressing that sexual assault is a criminal offense, not a private or family matter.

She called on community leaders to take a firm stand against SGBV, ensuring justice for survivors by encouraging evidence collection and leveraging the legal system, including specialized courts dedicated to handling such cases.

WRAHP’s Executive Director, Bose Ironsi, reinforced the organization’s commitment to creating safer and more informed communities.

“This initiative focuses on empowering women and girls to understand and advocate for their rights, while building a strong support network around them. Through workshops, seminars, and outreach programs, we aim to foster a society that protects and promotes the rights of all women and girls,” she said.

“Empowering women and girls is not just our mission, it’s a community imperative. A society that protects these rights is one that thrives,”Ironsi added