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WRAHP Leads Charge in Combating Sexual Violence through Community Advocacy

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The Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP), in partnership with the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), launched a 3-day advocacy training program at Ejigbo, Lagos.

The event aimed to equip community-based organizations (CBOs) with the tools to address the pervasive issue of sexual violence, particularly in Lagos State. With 30 advocates from 15 CBOs participating, the training focused on legal frameworks, community engagement, and strategies to foster resilience in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).

During the event, Bose Ironsi, Executive Director of WRAHP, highlighted the alarming global and national statistics on sexual violence.

Quoting the World Health Organization (WHO), Ironsi pointed out that one in three women globally have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. She further noted that in Nigeria, one in four females reported experiencing sexual violence in childhood, with over 70 percent experiencing repeated incidents.

“These figures are a wake-up call,” she emphasized. “Sexual violence is rampant, and we must do more to combat this menace, especially in Lagos, where over 24,965 cases have been recorded in the last six years.”

Ironsi also highlighted the significance of grassroots engagement in addressing these challenges.

“WRAHP, through its Ireti Resource Center in Alimosho, has recorded over 1,167 cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) survivors. This center is not just a hub for psychosocial support; it serves as a lifeline for those in desperate need of help,” she said.

The training focused on enhancing the capacity of CBOs from Alimosho, Ojo, and Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Areas (LGAs) to address sexual violence.

Ironsi stressed the importance of local organizations playing their roles as case managers and mandated reporters, calling for stronger collaboration among CBOs, law enforcement, and government agencies.

Legal frameworks to address sexual violence

Barrister Yetunde Odekunle, a facilitator from the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), delivered a comprehensive session on the legal tools available to combat sexual violence. She outlined the critical sections of the Lagos State Criminal Law that address child defilement, rape, and sexual assault, with some offenses carrying life sentences.

Odekunle emphasized that while laws exist to protect victims and punish perpetrators, there is a need for community members to break the culture of silence.

“Many victims of sexual violence do not report incidents out of fear or stigma. As advocates, it is our duty to create an environment where survivors feel safe and empowered to seek justice,” she remarked.

She also called on community leaders and advocates to engage actively with the judicial system and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.

“The government has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual violence, but we need the community’s participation to ensure these laws are enforced.”

Strengthening community resilience

Dr. Mojisola Akinsanya, representing Women for Peace and Gender Equality Initiative, spoke on building community resilience against sexual violence. She outlined four key pillars of resilience: education, community involvement, resource mobilization, and empathy.

“Prevention is as important as response,” Dr. Akinsanya said. “By educating communities about the long-term effects of sexual violence and involving local leaders in the fight against GBV, we can create a sustainable framework that not only responds to incidents but also prevents them.”

She called for more community-driven initiatives such as awareness campaigns in local languages and the use of media to dismantle stigmas surrounding sexual violence.

Empowering communities: a collaborative effort

In her press statement, Ironsi reiterated that combating sexual violence requires a collaborative effort. She called on local organizations, government agencies, and the media to amplify the fight against SGBV.

“One organization cannot drive this movement alone. It’s a conversation that everyone must be part of—local governments, law enforcement, schools, religious leaders, and most importantly, the media.”

Ironsi also highlighted the importance of media involvement in breaking the culture of silence surrounding sexual violence.

“The media plays a critical role in shifting societal attitudes. We need the press to continuously highlight these issues, educate the public, and pressure policymakers to act.”

Success stories and participant reflections

Participants from organizations like The Awakening and Zeec Foundation expressed their commitment to expanding their work after the training.

Olayiwola Bolatito, founder of The Awakening, shared how the training inspired her to increase her outreach to girls and parents.

“This workshop has been an eye-opener,” she said. “We have already educated over 2,000 girls, but this training has given me new strategies to further our mission.”

Aderemi Blessing, Program Officer at Zeec Foundation, highlighted the importance of tailoring outreach programs to fit the cultural and linguistic context of local communities.

“Communicating in local languages like Yoruba is essential to fostering deeper understanding and engagement,” she noted.

A call to action

WRAHP’s 3-day advocacy training is not just about raising awareness; it represents a concerted effort to empower communities to take action. With the continued support of the African Women’s Development Fund and collaboration with grassroots organizations, WRAHP is committed to driving lasting change in Lagos and beyond.

As the event concluded, Bose Ironsi issued a powerful call to action: “We implore the media, government, and communities to join us in breaking the culture of silence. Together, we can protect women and girls from sexual violence and build a future where they feel safe, valued, and empowered.”

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