The Lagos State Government, through its Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has called for multi-sectoral approach to tackle issues of sexual, gender-based and domestic violence.
The Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, made the call on Wednesday in Ikeja, during a symposium, with the theme : Enhancing the Role of Government and Civil Society Organisations in Survivor-Centered SGBV Response in Lagos State.
Vivour-Adeniyi said that the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) were crucial as first responders in the communities, toward curbing sexual and domestic violence and assisting survivors.
She said that the agency’s partnership and relationship with CSOs could not be overemphasised, as no one ministry, department or agency, could provide all the services that survivors require.
“Hence, the need to adopt a multi-sectoral approach. The NGOs, the civil society organisations, are in the communities, sometimes they even serve as first responders.
“So it is important for us as government to continue to strengthen our partnership, embark on learning exercises and always keep abreast of best practices, in terms of preventing and providing response to survivors,” the executive secretary said.
She urged survivors to speak up and seek help, as it was not their fault that they were violated, and the government was committed to providing various enabling services for them.
“If you have experienced any form of sexual and gender based violence, we want you to know that Lagos State Government believes you, you are not alone.
“We encourage you to please speak up and speak out, so that you can access various services such as medical, legal, psychosocial counseling, empowerment and, more importantly, access to justice,” Vivour-Adeniyi said.
Delivering her goodwill message, Mrs Ajibola Ijimakinwa, the State Project Coordinator of Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, said that CSOs played vital role in amplifying marginalised voices and supporting state institutions.
Ijimakinwa urged for stronger partnerships and the identification of gaps and challenges to improve on the response systems.
She commended the DSVA for its leadership, especially in building a robust response framework for SGBV response in Lagos State.
“But we know that there is no single institution that can do it all. That is why it is so important to partner with civil society organisation and also deepen collaboration, strengthen coordination and ensure that all our efforts are aligned towards a common goal.
“We believe today’s meeting is also going to be like a call to action, urging us to continue building stronger partnership and delivering more impactful results,” Ijimakinwa said.
Also speaking, Mrs Atinuke Odukoya, the Executive Director, Centre for Women’s Health and Information (CEWHIN), urged CSOs and NGOs on creativity and innovation, as they have the role of filling gaps left by government services.
Odukoya urged them to promote positive social norms and values to tackle issues like sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
