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By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
A non governmental organization, Leadership Initiative For Youth Empowerment, (LIFE) has recognized the urgent need to train gender-based violence, champions who will continue to educate and train other students in the fight against gender-based violence in society.
The group also called for the harmonization of all related laws on sexual and gender-based violence in Lagos State, to address GBV.
This is prior to the success of the previous awareness and advocacy to schools which made a tremendous impact in the previous phases of the project based on the project evaluation and demands made by different schools.
Program Officer of the group, Ogechi Stephen, said the group is working on the psychological effects on the survivors and intend to create new platforms where therapy and wellness of the victims would be addressed.
As kids across the nation celebrates the 2024 children’s day, the organization made some reviews reflecting on keeping children safe from Gender Based Violence.
She explained that the Organization carried out sensitization activities in Oshodi Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State for secondary school students to champion more advocacy.
“The NGO also launched a social media platform and campaign to raise awareness on the issue and encourage individuals to speak out against gender-based violence.
In addition, they have started partnerships with community members and leaders. They intend to collaborate with other local NGOs and government agencies to provide support to victims of gender-based violence and advocate for stronger laws and policies to protect male and female children.
Overall, the NGO is taking a multi-faceted approach to combatting gender-based violence, from education and training to advocacy and support services. They are committed to creating a society where everyone, regardless of gender, can live free from violence and discrimination.
“LIFE is dedicated to creating safer and more inclusive environments for all individuals, especially within educational settings.
Stressing that as part of their mission, LIFE began an ongoing campaign for the Children’s Day month, in May and will run through June 2024, in order to raise awareness about the Lagos state domestic violence law 2007 and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) among students.
Stephen said GBV encompasses various forms of violence and discrimination based on gender, including physical, sexual, verbal, and emotional abuse. Through interactive sessions and educational workshops, we aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills to recognize, prevent, and address GBV in their schools and communities.
She added that together, we strive to foster a culture of respect, empathy, and equality, where every individual feels safe and empowered to speak out against violence and discrimination. LIFE is currently providing psycho-social support to survivors of GBV including secondary school students. The schools include;Jaimure College, Divine International School and Divine infinity college.
On her part,Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, Oluwatoyin Mokwe held an enlightenment session during assembly for the school children. The session aimed to raise awareness and promote proactive measures within the student community.
Mokwe who presented issues on GBV started by elucidating the distinction between sex and gender, laying the foundation for understanding the complexities of GBV.
She enlightened the students on the various forms of GBV prevalent in educational settings, including physical abuse, verbal harassment, sexual assault, and bullying.
‘About 80 students were in attendance, the assembly successfully engaged a significant portion of the student body. Moreover, it sparked enthusiasm among students, who expressed their eagerness to be volunteers.
Mokwe added that as a key follow-up action, The Program Officer, Stephen urged teachers to actively report any instances of GBV occurring within the school or its surroundings. This proactive approach aims to create a safer environment and ensure swift intervention in cases of violence or harassment.
