4th September, 2024
The Lagos State House of Assembly has officially joined the “Turn Lagos Purple” campaign in observance of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month.
During the session, Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, commended the members and the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) for their continued commitment to raising awareness.
He emphasized the urgent need to address the root causes of domestic and sexual violence to develop lasting solutions.
Obasa also stressed the importance of consistent public engagement and called for research to better understand these root causes, which would contribute to a more comprehensive approach to tackling the issue.
Princess Olumegbon, who brought the matter to the floor as one of urgent public importance, outlined the various forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) prevalent in the state.
She reiterated the state’s zero-tolerance policy and the critical need to address the underlying factors contributing to gender-based violence.
Supporting the motion, Ladi Ajomale highlighted that certain cultural norms and religious factors, whether consciously or unconsciously, perpetuate SGBV in communities.
He emphasized the severe impact of domestic violence on individuals’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being and called for enhanced prevention campaigns, particularly those involving men in the fight against gender-based violence.
Lawmaker Oshafile commended the state’s efforts thus far but advocated for strengthening laws regulating criminal conduct, better engaging men and boys in these issues, and improving data collection to enhance understanding.
She also called for the decentralization of services and greater community involvement.
Lawmaker Ogunleye praised the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for her Boy-Child Campaign and reiterated the importance of reinforcing family systems and instilling proper values in children.
A lawmaker, Tobun added his voice, drawing attention to other forms of abuse, including sibling battery and femicide. He underscored the need for introducing values and norms into school curricula and engaging religious leaders in these efforts.
Another lawmaker, Oluwa emphasized that gender-based violence affects all genders and that advocacy should reflect this reality.
He also called for the strengthening of law enforcement agencies to ensure perpetrators are held accountable and that survivors are protected and encouraged to come forward.
Lawmaker Yishawu highlighted the prevalence of domestic and sexual violence and the critical need to break the culture of silence.
He stressed the importance of escalating cases to appropriate authorities and called for state investment in infrastructure, such as shelters and support services.
In a show of solidarity, the distinguished members of the Lagos State House of Assembly adorned purple ribbons, symbolizing their commitment to domestic violence awareness.
