Women
THE Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) has initiated the “Purple Project” alongside a training for social workers, to reduce Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in communities.
Speaking during the programme on Thursday, Mrs Bolaji Dada, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, said SGBV remains a frontline of war against women that should be adequately addressed.
The training had the theme, “Collaborating to Manage Sexual and Gender Based Violence – A Contact Approach Centre”.
Dada said the purple project would enable all stakeholders in the various local government areas to generate verifiable data that would help to formulate polices and programmes to tackle SGBV.
Dada said: “Violence against women and girls is indeed a crime against humanity and Lagos State Government has zero tolerance for Sexual and Gender Based Violence.
“Over the years, WAPA has continued to manage cases, providing rescue operations, psychosocial services, seeking justice for the abused among others.
“The purple project will ride on the platform of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) command and control centre of the Lagos State Government.
“When a victim calls the emergency number 767, there will be a first responder before the caller is eventually referred to the nearest local government for support.
“This provides a two level standard of care for the victim in the community.”
She urged participants to use the knowledge acquired effectively to address and educate people on the menace of SGBV in their communities.
Also, Mrs Funmi Adegoke, the Senor Special Assistiant to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, said the purple project was initiated to enable victims of SGBV get help within their reach.
“We noticed that various women that have experienced SGBV come all the way from as far as Ikorodu and other places to the ministry to seek for help.
“Instead of coming that far to get help, they can go to their LG or LCDA and speak to our well trained social workers who are always available to help them,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was organised for WAPA heads of departments and family social service in all local councils.
The participants were given mobile phones to effectively enhance their response to SGBV. (NAN)
KN
Tags: Babajide Sanwo-Olu Bolaji Dada LASEMA SGBV WAPA
