Lagos Intensifies Fight Against Gender-Based Violence

The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), led by Honourable Commissioner Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, has reaffirmed its vigorous commitment to eradicating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and harmful traditional practices in the state. This pledge was underscored at a sensitisation programme held on October 24, 2025, at Ago Egun, Iwaya, Yaba, Lagos, themed “Combating Harmful Gender Norms and Practices in Our Communities.” The event emphasized collective action to protect women and girls, particularly in riverine and rural areas, against entrenched harmful norms and gender discrimination.

Represented by Mrs. Abiola Osifowokan, Director of the Domestic Violence Unit, the Commissioner stressed the ongoing challenges posed by violence and discriminatory traditional practices that hinder societal progress. Education, advocacy, and enforcement of relevant laws remain central strategies in the fight. The programme drew together traditional and community leaders, women advocates, and government officials, united by a shared mission to build safer and more equitable communities. The support of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, known for his inclusive governance approach prioritizing women’s empowerment and protection, was warmly acknowledged.

This latest sensitisation effort aligns with the broader Lagos State government initiatives to combat GBV. The Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) continues to spearhead community engagement strategies, including the establishment of community dialogue committees aimed at grassroots prevention and response systems. The state government also recently launched guidelines to prevent and address sexual harassment in workplaces, underscoring a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to ending gender-based violence.

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Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has persistently advanced policies that empower women economically and socially, including the Women Economic Empowerment Policy Roadmap, which targets systemic barriers in sectors from agriculture to technology. His administration’s focus on sustainable partnerships and resource allocation reinforces Lagos State’s position as a leader in promoting gender equity and the protection of vulnerable groups.

The sensitisation programme at Ago Egun was attended by key stakeholders including traditional rulers’ representatives, community elders, women’s organisation leaders, and government officials. Their unified presence and voices signal a robust and inclusive front in the ongoing struggle to eliminate gender-based violence and harmful traditional practices in Lagos State, paving the way for a safer future for all women and girls.