In a proactive move to address sexual violence within the Persons With Disability (PWD) Arewa community in Agege, the Lagos State Office For Disability Affairs (LASODA) partnered with the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) for a crucial meeting recently.
The gathering, convened to commemorate International Women’s Day, saw community leaders engaging in vital discussions and initiatives.
Key stakeholders, including representatives from LASODA and WARIF, alongside notable figures such as Sarki Abubakar Umaru and Comrade Mohammed Zanna, convened to discuss the pressing issue of sexual violence.
With a focus on sensitizing community leaders, the dialogue emphasized the pivotal role these leaders play in addressing and combatting rape and other forms of sexual abuse.
The importance of promptly reporting such cases to the appropriate authorities and providing support to survivors of sexual abuse was underscored during the meeting.
Community leaders pledged their commitment to work collaboratively in safeguarding the well-being of community members and ensuring that instances of sexual violence are reported and addressed effectively.
Expressing gratitude for the support extended by LASODA and WARIF, the leader of the Hausa Community, highlighted the positive impact of government empowerment initiatives on community members, particularly those with disabilities. He affirmed the community leaders’ dedication to fostering a safe environment and pledged to prioritize the reporting and prevention of gender-based violence.
The overarching goal of LASODA and WARIF remains the creation of a society free from gender-based discrimination and violence.
Emphasizing the need for unity and solidarity, community leaders stressed the importance of rejecting gender-based violence, especially against women with disabilities