By Esther Onyegbula

As reports of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) continue to rise across the country, Lions Clubs International District 404A3, Project Alert, WANEP and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA, have called for stronger community action and political commitment to curb the trend.

The call was made in Lagos during a one-day convening on “Shaping Safer Communities and Transforming Attitudes to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” organised by Project Alert on Violence Against Women in collaboration with West Africa Network for Peacebuilding Nigeria (WANEP Nigeria) and Lions Club International (District 404A3). The event was held in commemoration of this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The convening focused on strengthening survivor-centred response mechanisms, enhancing access to both legal and psychosocial support, and fostering coordinated strategies among government, civil society and community members. Discussions also promoted peaceful coexistence by encouraging dialogue, building trust and reinforcing collective responsibility across communities.

District Governor, Lions Club District 404A3, Lion Mary Onu, said economic hardship is fuelling domestic violence, noting that increased awareness is also encouraging victims to speak out.
“In the past, people kept quiet even when children were being abused. Now, communities are speaking up,” she said, commending the Lagos State Government for providing support funds for survivors.

Executive Director, Project Alert, Dr. Josephine Effa-Chukwuma, said unsafe communities cannot be peaceful, adding that SGBV must become a key electoral issue ahead of the 2027 elections. She disclosed that Project Alert has trained first responders across 15 LGAs who now work with police and relevant agencies to handle cases.

Representing the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the agency’s Head of Field Operations, Mrs Oluwakemi Bello, warned families against pleading on behalf of perpetrators, saying such individuals can be arrested as accomplices. She urged parents to closely monitor their children, stressing that many defilement cases occur within familiar environments.

National Network Coordinator of WANEP, Bridget Usifo-Osakwe, said safety begins in the home and urged citizens to speak up and act against violence.

The organisations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening community surveillance, supporting survivors and pushing for accountability on SGBV issues at all levels of governance.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of a cheque of N910,000 by the District Governor, Lions Club District 404A3, Lion Mary Onu and her team, to the Executive Director of Project Alert, Dr. Josephine Effa-Chukwuma in support of the organisation’s ongoing work.