Education District II has joined forces with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) to stage an awareness event aimed at deepening advocacy and sensitisation against all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
Speaking during the event held at the District Headquarters, the Supervising Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District II, Mr. Olusegun Osinaike highlighted the significance of the campaign, noting that education remains a critical tool in breaking the cycle of silence and stigma associated with SGBV.
Mr. Osinaike reiterated the District’s commitment to ensuring that schools remain safe and inclusive environments where learners can thrive without fear of harassment or abuse. He reaffirmed the District’s determination to sustain the advocacy beyond the Awareness Month, emphasising that the fight against SGBV requires collective responsibility.
“This year’s theme, SGBV – It Concerns Us All, reminds us that the responsibility of ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence cannot be left to a few individuals or organisations. It is a collective battle, involving teachers, parents, students, the government, and society at large. Together, we can build a safe, inclusive, and progressive learning environment for our children,” he stated.
He further described SGBV as a societal menace, stressing that silence and indifference only empower perpetrators. He, therefore, called on all stakeholders to unite in a single voice to protect the vulnerable, support survivors, and hold offenders accountable.
“Sexual and Gender-Based Violence is not just a personal issue; it is a societal concern. When one person suffers violence, we all bear the consequences. We must stand together to safeguard dignity, uphold justice, and create a society where every individual feels safe and respected,” he added.
