In commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, MWAPA has hosted the Honourable Federal Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imani Ibrahim, for an impactful meeting with survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.
The event, held at the premises of the Lagos State Waterways Authority, was themed “Towards Beijing +30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls.” It highlighted the progress made in combating gender-based violence and underscored the urgent need for collective action to address the issue.
The Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to eliminating violence against women and girls through policies, survivor support programs, and public awareness campaigns.
She emphasized that domestic and gender-based violence is a societal issue requiring the united effort of all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and community leaders.
Hon. Bolaji Dada applauded the resilience and courage of survivors, pledging continued support and advocacy for a violence-free society where women and girls can thrive.
Speaking at the event, the Federal Minister for Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim commended the Lagos State Government for its innovative empowerment programs and effective strategies in addressing gender-based violence.
She noted that Lagos serves as a benchmark for other states, highlighting the collaborative efforts of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA, and other institutions under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The Minister called for victims of domestic violence to break their silence and share their experiences, assuring them of support at both state and federal levels. She stressed that the economic empowerment of women is key to fostering resilience and ensuring their contribution to nation-building.
During her address, the Honourable Minister expressed her readiness to work closely with Lagos State to establish systems that encourage victims to report gender-based violence freely. She also promised to advocate for increased federal support for victims and the implementation of policies that promote the safety and well-being of women and girls nationwide.
Survivors at the event shared their stories, highlighting how Lagos State’s interventions have positively impacted their lives. The Federal Minister encouraged survivors to remain strong and become advocates for public enlightenment against gender-based violence.
In the spirit of the season, the Honourable Federal Minister came with thoughtful gifts for each of the survivors, showing them they were loved and valued. This gesture reinforced the government’s commitment to supporting survivors and building a society where women and girls can live free of violence.
The Federal Minister also urged parents to be vigilant and proactive in addressing changes in their children’s behavior to prevent societal harm.