In a strategic move to decentralize the fight against domestic abuse, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has officially extended its grassroots advocacy to the Isheri-Oke Ayetoro Market, empowering local traders to serve as first responders in cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
Strengthening Grassroots Response
The initiative, organized in partnership with The Carter Center, seeks to transform bustling marketplaces into safe zones by equipping leaders with the tools to identify abuse and navigate legal reporting channels. By training Market Champions, the DSVA aims to ensure that survivors have immediate access to support within their own professional communities.
Representing the Executive Secretary of the DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Mr. Damilare Adewusi emphasized that the market environment is a critical touchpoint for community intervention.
“Our mission is to ensure that no survivor feels isolated. By empowering market leaders as advocates, we are creating a community-driven response system that brings help closer to those who need it most,” said Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi in a statement delivered via her representative.
Education and Legal Awareness
The sensitization session featured a panel of experts, including Ms. Ramat Balogun-Lamidi, Mr. Adeleke Adenuaga, and Ms. Bunmi Amosu. The facilitators provided comprehensive training on the various forms of SGBV, the specific legal implications under Lagos State law, and the early warning signs of domestic abuse.
Chief Mrs. Janet Edu, the Iyaloja of Isheri-Oke Ayetoro Market, welcomed the agency’s presence, urging traders to break the silence. Participants were educated on the state’s mandate and the specific support services including medical, legal, and psychological aid available to survivors.
Equipping the Advocates
To sustain the momentum of the program, the DSVA distributed branded aprons and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to the newly minted Market Champions. These items serve as visible identifiers for advocates, signaling to the public that help is available within the market stalls.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks from the Vice Iyaloja, Chief Mrs. Musiliat Adebeshin, who lauded the Lagos State Government for its commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens at the grassroots level.
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