SGBV: WAPA, UNFPA ORGANISE WORKSHOP FOR SHELTER OPERATORS 

The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has organised a two-day Capacity Building Workshop for Shelter Managers, in a bid to promote adequate crisis intervention and safety planning for survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across the Lagos Metropolis.

Speaking at the workshop held recently at the Conference Room of the Ministry, the Permanent Secretary of WAPA, Mrs. Oluyemi Kalesanwo implored women-focused Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to adopt the outcome of the workshop which aims to discover key skills that are required for Shelter Managers to succeed.

She said, “This workshop seeks to fully identify your skills as shelter managers by adequately providing advocacy, crisis intervention and psychosocial support for survivors, while they are in your various shelters”.

Kalesanwo, represented by the Director of the Domestic Violence Unit in the Ministry, Ms. Oluwatoyin Olorunfemi, reiterated that the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration has zero tolerance for domestic and gender violence, hence, the government is determined to ensure that every survivor lives a safe, healthy and productive life without experiencing fear or abuse.

Also speaking, the Director of Creches and Orphanages, Ministry of Youths and Social Development, Mrs. Popoola-Peter, highlighted key areas where Shelter Managers should focus, to effectively impact lives.

“As Shelter Managers, you should adopt the SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats), which will give a focal view on the areas of your shelter that require improvement”, she said 

In her contribution, UNFPA Lagos Liaison Officer/Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst, Dr. Esther Somefun, applauded WAPA for its commitment to the fight against SGBV and the empowerment of women to become financial contributors towards economic growth.

“WAPA has unwavering commitment towards building resourceful women, through its various empowerment programmes. It also has a proven record of easing survivors into society, to live a healthy and fulfilled life”, she stated

Speaking further, Somefun informed participants that the crucial roles that Shelter Managers play in assisting survivors are the focus of the workshop.

Participants, who were drawn from relevant Ministries, promised enhanced symbiotic liaison for psychosocial support of survivors who are often without shelters due to the various assaults they had encountered.