LIFE leads campaign to schools, sensitize on GBV and proactive measures within the student community
… Also raises awareness on Lagos State Domestic Violence Law (2007) on Gender Based Violence
By Onome Naomi
As part of LIFE’s mission, the NGO embarked on an ongoing campaign to secondary schools in Lagos state in May and June 2024 to raise awareness about the Lagos state domestic violence law 2007 and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) among students.
The schools sensitized includes; Jaimure College, Divine Infinity College, Divine International School, Heros Immaculate College and Nubi private school. Leadership Initiative For Youth Empowerment (LIFE) is dedicated to creating safer and more inclusive environments for all individuals, especially within educational settings and as such, made it a project to create awareness about laws protecting the Nigerian child and sensitize on Gender Based Violence’. LIFE Officers who led the sensitization program in the various schools are ;Ogechi Jessica stephen Program officer, Mokwe oluwatoyin Esther, Monitoring & Evaluation officer and Admin.
At Jaimure College, LIFE held an assembly with 80 students in attendance to address the critical issue of the Lagos state violence law and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Led by LIFE Program Officer, Monitoring and Evaluation officer and Admin Assistant. More also, the session was conducted to raise awareness and promote proactive measures within the student community.
The Monitoring and Evaluation officer urged teachers to actively report any instances of GBV occurring within the school or its surroundings as the students also volunteered to say something when they see GBV cases. This proactive approach aims to create a safer environment and ensure swift intervention in cases of violence or harassment.
LIFE progressively had an assembly sensitization at Divine infinity college to address the pressing issues relating to GBV. The session was centered on raising awareness about the Lagos state Law and provide support to students affected by GBV in an open dialogue session with 80 students in attendance. The Program officer and M&E Officer provided immediate counseling and encouragement to 3 student who have experienced GBV with the intention to follow up with the students. This proactive approach aims to address the emotional and psychological needs of affected individuals, fostering a supportive and empathetic environment within the school community.
Life conducted a Day 3 assembly sensitization on students of Divine International School to raise awareness about the Lagos State Domestic Law 2007 and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This is meant to empower them with adequate knowledge and resources to prevent as well as address such incidents.The presentation led by M&E Life Officer emphasized the importance of recognizing the various forms of abuses which includes; physical abuse, verbal abuse, harassment, rape, and bullying and addressing these forms of violence in schools and beyond.
The assembly increased students’ awareness of GBV, empowered them to combat it, and encouraged teacher engagement. Recommendations include continuing education, establishing support mechanisms, and encouraging collaboration between students, teachers, and community stakeholders.
At Heros Immaculate College, a total of 88 students attended the assembly sensitization program conducted by LIFE facilitators to address the issues arising from GBV, Laws that protects survivors in Lagos state (2007) and to raise awareness by fostering proactive responses to combat GBV within the school community.The students actively participated and volunteered to report cases of abuses as enlightened.
At Nubi Private School, LIFE was invited to their special event in celebration of Children’s Day to educate students about Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and promote self-esteem among young individuals. Experts from LIFE focused on the importance of understanding and addressing GBV.
Through interactive discussions and engaging activities, the students from Nubi Private School were empowered to recognize signs of GBV and advocate for change in their communities.The educational sessions on GBV and self-esteem building activities, enabled the students gain valuable knowledge and skills to navigate their social environments with confidence and resilience.
The event also facilitated meaningful interactions and discussions among students, fostering a sense of solidarity and empowerment. Students left the event feeling inspired and motivated to become agents of change in promoting gender equality and advocating for their rights.
GBV encompasses various forms of violence and discrimination based on gender, including physical, sexual, verbal, and emotional abuse. Through interactive sessions and educational workshops, LIFE aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills to recognize, prevent, and address GBV in their schools and communities. Together, LIFE strive to foster a culture of respect, empathy, and equality, where every individual feels safe and empowered to speak out against violence and discrimination. LIFE is currently providing psycho-social support to survivors of GBV including secondary school students.
