By Lukman Olabiyi and Bianca Iboma-Emefu
In a bold step toward promoting gender justice and enhancing community safety, the Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP), in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, has successfully conducted a two-day intensive training for law enforcement officers in Lagos State.
The workshop, which drew participants from three Area Police Commands, aimed to equip officers with vital knowledge and skills to better protect the rights of women and girls. It also sought to improve access to justice-related services, aligning with Nigeria’s national efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and strengthen the rule of law.
“This training is not just about developing skills, it’s about shifting mindsets and building a culture of accountability, law enforcement officers play a pivotal role in creating safe spaces for women and girls,” said WRAHP’s Executive Director , Bose Ironsi.
Ironsi also advocated for a streamlined reporting system to ease the trauma survivors face when recounting their experiences multiple times to different agencies.
She called for a centralized and confidential system that allows secure access to survivor information with consent while minimizing emotional distress.
Ajibola Makinwa, RoLAC project coordinator, emphasized the importance of ongoing training for officers, highlighting the need for regular updates and collaborative problem-solving.
“Changing attitudes and practices is a continuous process. We must invest in our officers and address the obstacles they face in delivering justice,” he said .
Facilitator, Yetunde Odekunle, Head of Legal at the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), pointed out that women often encounter unique barriers in accessing justice.
She underscored the need for specialized, gender-sensitive training to ensure appropriate responses from authorities.
The training also featured sessions led by Joy Shokoya of the Mirabel Centre, who stressed the value of multi-sector collaboration.
Officers were educated on trauma-informed care, gender sensitivity, relevant legal frameworks, and practical support strategies for survivors.
Community leaders and rights advocates welcomed the initiative, describing it as a turning point for justice in Lagos.
“When police are empowered with this knowledge, it gives survivors the courage to come forward, knowing they’ll be treated with dignity,” said one local activist.
According to RoLAC, the training marks a critical step toward safer and more just communities. “Each officer trained brings us closer to a society where women and girls live free from fear,” said a RoLAC representative.
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