Worried by the rising cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Lagos, a group, the Leadership Initiative For Youth Empowerment (LIFE) has trained 43 youths against violence in homes and communities.
The youths between ages 15 and 18 were drawn from secondary schools in Oshodi-Isolo Local Council to serve as triggers and prevention agents against GBV.
The Programme officer, Stephen Ogechi, who spoke at a three-day training/workshop with the theme: “Scaling up leadership of female survivors for effective GBV response and access to justice in Oshodi-Isolo Local Council of Lagos”, said the programme was to end GBV in homes, groups and communities.
According to her, the training was aimed at making young ones be agents of change in their society.
“We want them to be able to stand up in the face of abuse, and be able to speak up. Basically it is to improve access to justice for vulnerable survivors of gender based violence,” she said.
She added that the three days’ workshop underscores the importance of what gender is, the various forms of abuse and various forms of GBV.
“So since most of the youths are from secondary schools, we were able to see how they can be agents of change in their community.
“We also helped them to see the overview of the Lagos State GBV laws regarding abuse, the various reporting channels where they can report the cases of abuse and their role in addressing them in the community,” Ogechi stated.
Explaining what sexual assault is, Ogechi said its an abuse and not only when someone is raped, but could be when someone hit a person’s butt or breasts without consent.
“We were able to help them see and know the places they should report such assault to. They should report to the appropriate authorities, take it up to the police and to sexual assault referral centre, like idire and ireti resource centre.
“They can also bring it to our centre and make a report immediately. So sexual assault is not what should be joked with. It’s more to rape, so any amorous touch you didn’t give consent to is sexual assault,” she explained.
One of the participants, Samuel Oluwapelumi said he has learnt to treat females with respect, ensure they are not discriminated against in all decisions and shun all name-calling and gossip against them.
“GBV can be psychological, sexual, physical and financial and we must ensure that the home and community is conducive for everyone to be happy, feel loved and respected,” Oluwapelumi said.
