Education District II has partnered with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) to intensify advocacy and sensitisation on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), reaffirming their joint commitment to building safer schools and communities.
EpeInsights gathered that the awareness event, held at the District Headquarters, brought together educators, stakeholders and community leaders to deliberate on strategies for combating SGBV.
Addressing participants, the Supervising Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District II, Mr. Olusegun Osinaike, underscored the pivotal role of education in dismantling the culture of silence and stigma that surrounds gender-based violence.
“Education remains a critical tool in breaking the cycle of silence. Our schools must remain safe and inclusive environments where learners can thrive without fear of harassment or abuse,” Osinaike said.
He pledged the District’s determination to sustain advocacy beyond the Awareness Month, noting that the year’s theme – “SGBV: It Concerns Us All” – serves as a powerful reminder that eliminating sexual and gender-based violence requires collective responsibility.
“This is not a fight for a few individuals or organisations. Teachers, parents, students, government, and society must all play their part. Together, we can build a safe, inclusive and progressive learning environment for our children,” he added.
Describing SGBV as a societal menace, Osinaike stressed that silence and indifference empower perpetrators, while united action strengthens protection for survivors and accountability for offenders.
“When one person suffers violence, the whole society bears the consequences. We must stand together to uphold justice, protect the vulnerable, and create a society where every individual feels safe and respected,” he said.
The event served as another demonstration of Lagos State’s multi-sectoral approach to addressing SGBV, blending advocacy, policy, and education to foster safe spaces for learners and communities alike.
