LAGOS FIRST LADY URGES VICTIMS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE TO SPEAK UP 

First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has called on victims of sexual and gender harassment to speak up and break the culture of silence 

Dr. Sanwo-Olu spoke at an event organised by the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) in partnership with the  Lagos State University (LASU) to raise awareness among students of the Accounting Department of the University of LASU on recognising, preventing and addressing sexual harassment, thereby fostering a safer and more inclusive environment

Addressing the students at the Aderemi Makanjuola Hall of the University, during a Seminar session held recently, tagged: “Addressing Sexual Harassment On Campus: Creating A Culture Of Respect And Consent”, the First Lady stated that the coming together of SWAN and LASU will assist in creating a culture of respect, and accountability and encouraging individuals to speak out against injustices and support victims of harassment. 

The First Lady, who was represented at the Seminar by a member of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Suarau commended SWAN’s efforts in promoting, protecting and preserving the rights and well-being of citizens, highlighting the importance of collaboration in building a safer and more equitable environment, particularly for the youth.

Emphasising the critical role of Accountants in national development and the importance of professionalism, standardisation, and ethics in the accountancy profession, she underscored the significance of the Seminar’s theme, stressing the need for collective support and continuous sensitisation to combat sexual harassment.

Reiterating her office’s zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence, Dr. Sanwo-Olu said, “Our position on SGBV is firmly rooted in the philosophy that women and girls, as well as men and boys, must be protected from these wicked acts”. 

The Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello remarked that LASU identified the issue of SGBV as a societal vice that requires all the concentration it can get, especially in a learning environment where students need to focus on their academics without any distraction.

Olatunji-Bello, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Adenike Boyo, said the theme of the seminar resonates with the focus of the University’s advocacy on mutual respect and promoting a culture of empathy on issues relating to sexual harassment.

She described the establishment of the Centre of Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence for report and investigation of cases of sexual harassment as a bold step taken by the University to discourage perpetrators of the heinous act.

Recalling some of the achievements of SWAN in its 45 years of existence, the National President of the Association, Mrs. Hilda Ofure Ozoh, FCA, mentioned that the Association has empowered hundreds of young women with requisite skills for financial independence; awarded scholarships to several indigent students across the country and provided succour and assistance to the sick, the elderly, the disabled and the motherless children. 

She added that SWAN believes in empowering students, especially the girl child to speak up on some ills in society, and how to cope with them thereby making the girl child feel special and inspiring her to soar higher. 

“Today, SWAN feels indeed honoured to have been given the opportunity by LASU to reach out and impact on our ladies, one of our passionate areas which is, creating awareness on the evil of sexual harassment”, she added.

While speaking on the theme of the seminar, the SWAN President noted that aside from having to suffer the pains of gender bias, female children in some cases are victims of sexual harassment at home, places of work even at religious gatherings.