The Lagos State government has educated about 100 persons with disabilities (PWDs) on handling issues related to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
This one-day sensitization event was organized in collaboration with the Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA) and the Centre for Women’s Health in Nigeria (CEWHIN). The program aimed to address the unique challenges PWDs face, fostering an inclusive, violence-free environment across the state.
Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), emphasized the need for targeted action, noting that PWDs often experience disproportionate levels of violence due to various factors, including physical limitations and lack of access to support services. She affirmed Lagos State’s commitment to justice, protection, and support for all, highlighting that the workshop was designed to strengthen prevention and intervention efforts.
“We recognize that persons with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to sexual and gender-based violence. This platform allows us to collaborate, share experiences, and create effective strategies to tackle these issues,” Vivour-Adeniyi remarked. She further promised that DSVA would continue exploring ways to improve justice access and provide tailored support services for PWDs.
In her goodwill message, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, General Manager of LASODA, praised the initiative as a vital step toward creating safer spaces for PWDs, both at home and within the wider community. Represented by Mrs. Foluso Adeolu, LASODA’s Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Oyetunde-Lawal stressed the importance of educating PWDs on their rights and legal protections, empowering them to stand up for themselves and seek justice.
Mrs. Atinuke Odukoya, team lead of CEWHIN, lauded the program for equipping participants with essential knowledge to prevent and respond to SGBV. She reiterated the collective responsibility of creating a safe environment for all and stressed that the training provided valuable resources to tackle gender-based violence within PWD clusters.
Facilitator Stella Osho of CEWHIN led an insightful session, walking participants through the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence and its impact on PWDs, offering practical advice on how to address and prevent these issues.