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NGO Save a Soul Initiative has organized a meeting against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The theme of the meeting was “Kick Against SGBV” and was held on Zoom.
The initiative was to mark the fourth anniversary of the organization after conducting SGBV awareness tours in various government and private schools and religious centers in Lagos and Ogun states.
Guest speakers at the event were Bar Evans Uffelli, CEO Enterprise TV; Mr. Kazeem Olorunloba (Zeimo), a Technical Advisor and Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Media Team; Vera Winans, editor @Iyamagine, and Adeola Adebambo (TokeyBravo), a radio and TV host.
Speaking at the event, Adebambo (Toquebravo) said, “Sexual and gender-based violence is on the rise in our communities and country at large and therefore, it is an imperative task not only for the government but also for the community.” The general public will have to stand strongly against this and also ensure that this Act becomes extinct. It is the responsibility of every family in the community to play their role in preventing the menace of sexual and gender-based violence. The community must ensure protection against SGBV by teaching male and female minors how to stay safe and avoid all forms of sexual harassment.
“The community must make amends and eliminate the stigmatization of victims and survivors,” she said. Our culture stigmatizes the victims more than punishes the culprits.
He further said, “The community should listen to the victims, support them, counsel them and try to reintegrate them into the society instead of shaming and stigmatizing them.”
Adebombo argued that, “Everyone must be his brother's keeper, sensitize people about SGVB, its causes and effects, guide them. Community leaders should have all the necessary information, details of government policies and agencies that have been set aside to oversee, resolve and document SGVB-related issues. This will help them rapidly handle cases of sexual and gender-based violence, especially domestic violence which occurs on an almost daily basis in most communities. It is very important for communities to encourage their members to speak up at any time about sexual assault or domestic violence or related issues.
Community leaders must ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice and punished accordingly, she said, adding that “communities must not be left behind in the race to eliminate sexual and gender-based violence as they Closest to ground level.”
However, Vera Winans argued that, “We must take the fight against SGBV to our churches, mosques, and community leaders. The Church must reconsider its teaching on marriage vows, which sometimes lead people into violent relationships. When there is violence, churches should disfellowship members who abuse their spouses.
“Our traditional rulers should listen to their children when they say they are being abused, encouraging them to seek help rather than telling them to stay in the marriage.”
Noting that too many people have died because of SGBV, he said, “It is time to change the narrative.”
According to Olorunloba, “Reporting sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is sensitive but it is an important step in ensuring justice, support and protection.
He listed general steps to be taken: ensuring immediate safety, finding a safe location away from the offender; Seek medical help, go to a hospital or clinic as soon as possible for medical care; Report to authorities; Visit the local police station or relevant authorities to lodge a report; Connect with support organizations and reach out to local or national organizations that specialize in SGBV support.
Preserve the evidence and, if possible, avoid bathing, changing clothes, or cleaning the scene before the medical examination, as this may help preserve the evidence.
Keep any written communications, recordings or items that may support your report.
Seek counseling and support as SGBV can have lasting emotional and psychological effects.
Talking to a counselor or attending support groups can be helpful in the treatment process and following legal procedures.
Sir James, a multi award-winning radio presenter who is the convener, and his co-organiser, Princess Morenikeji, a paralegal, urged state governors in Nigeria to follow the path of the Lagos State Government in dealing with cases of SGBV. Did. State.
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