By Adeola Badru

A school-based initiative aimed at preventing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) has been expanded to four secondary schools in Ogun and Oyo States, empowering adolescent girls with life skills, leadership training, and practical knowledge to identify and respond to abuse.

The expansion of the Educational School Programme (WESP), implemented by the Women at Risk International Foundation with support from the Girls Opportunity Alliance, was announced on Thursday in Lagos.

The programme will now run in Remo Secondary School and Shagamu High School in Ogun State, as well as Fiditi Grammar School and Ilora Baptist Grammar School in Oyo State.

According to organisers, the intervention has reached a total of 5,500 girls, including 500 direct beneficiaries and 5,000 indirect beneficiaries. It has also engaged 500 parents and caregivers, along with 20 school management staff.

WARIF said the programme is designed to equip girls with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent and respond to sexual violence, while also strengthening peer support systems and safe reporting mechanisms within schools.

It further aims to enhance the capacity of parents and school authorities to effectively respond to cases of abuse, while promoting leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills among students.

The organisation noted that WESP has recorded measurable improvements in students’ awareness, attitudes, and response to gender-based violence, including increased reporting of cases and reduced incidents in participating schools across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States.

Speaking on the initiative, Director of International Programmes at the Girls Opportunity Alliance, Mrs Tsehaitu “Tubi” Retta, said investing in girls contributes to building safer and stronger communities.

“When girls feel safe, supported and informed, everything changes for them, their families and their communities,” she said.

She added that WARIF’s work demonstrates the impact of equipping girls with confidence, skills, and support systems to protect themselves and lead.

WARIF reaffirmed its commitment to reducing rape and sexual assault through advocacy, survivor-centred services, and preventive interventions, describing the programme as a scalable, evidence-based model for improving school safety and life skills education.

The organisation said it will continue collaborating with partners, schools, and communities to ensure adolescent girls are empowered and able to reach their full potential.