Precisely n the 27th of October 2024, a nongovernmental organisation, the Save A Soul Initiative joined the government and other private initiatives in fighting against the cases of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in the society. This was part of the activities of the the group to mark its 4th year anniversary after having carried out an SGBV awareness tour talk to various government and private schools as well as to religious centers within Lagos and Ogun states.

The organization this time around took its advocacy to the digital spaces via zoom with speakers like: Bar Evans Ufeli, CEO Enterprise Tv; Mr Kazeem Olorunloba (Zeemo), a Tech consultant and Lagos State Domestic and sexual violence agency media team; Vera Winns, editor at Iyamagine; and Adeola Adebambo (Tokebravo), a radio and TV host.

Speaking at the virtual occasion: Adebambo (Tokebravo) said, “Sexual and Gender based Violence is on the rise in our communities and Country at Large, it is therefore an imperative task for not just the Government but also the community and the General Populace to stand firm against it and also make sure this Act goes into Extinction till Infinity.

“The Onus is on Each Family in the Community to play their part in Curbing the Menace of Sexual and Gender Based Violence. The Community Should Ensure safety against SGBV by Tutoring male and Female Minors on how to stay Safe and also avoid all forms of Sexual harassment.

“The community should improve and totally Eradicate Stigmatization of Victims and survivors, Our Culture condemns, stigmatize Victims more than it punishes the Culprits.

“The community should Endeavour to give a listening Ears to Victims, Support, Counsel them and embrace them back into the Society rather than backlashing and stigmatizing them.

“Every Community must be a brother’s keeper, Sensitizing, Orientating the populace about SGVB, it’s causes and its Effects.

“Community Leaders should have all the necessary information, details of Government Policies and Agencies which has been set aside to Oversee, sort and document issues concerning SGVB.

“This will Enable them to handle Sexual and Gender Based Violence cases swiftly, especially Domestic Violences which happens almost on a daily in most Communities. It is very important for communities to Encourage its Habitat to Speak Up anytime there is a case of sexual harassment or domestic violence or related issues, the Community leaders must make sure that perpetrators are brought to book, and also penalized accordingly.

“In All, the Communities should not Take the back seat in the race of Eradication of Sexual and Gender Based Violence, because it is the closest to the Grassroots”, Adebambo said.

In her contribution at the Save A Soul Initiative hosted event, Vera Winns said, “We must take the fight against SGBV to our churches, mosques, and community leaders. The church should rethink its teaching on marriage vows, which sometimes encourage people to stay in violent relationships.

“When violence happens, the marriage should end. Churches should excommunicate members who abuse their spouse and wards.

“Our traditional rulers should listen to their children when they say they’re being abused. Instead of telling them to stay in the marriage, they should encourage them to seek help.

“Too many people have died because of SGBV. It’s time to change the narrative”, Vera Winns said.

In his remarks, a tech consultant, Mr Kazeem Olorunloba (Zeemo), said, “Reporting sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is a sensitive but important step to ensure justice, support, and safety.”

“Here are the general steps to take:

1. Ensure Immediate Safety
   Find a safe space away from the perpetrator.
2. Seek Medical Assistance
   Visit a hospital or clinic as soon as possible for medical care.
3. Report to Authorities
   Go to the local police station or relevant authorities to file a report.
4. Connect with Support Organizations: Reach out to local or national organizations specializing in SGBV support. They can offer legal assistance, counseling, shelter, and advocacy.
5. Protect Evidence
   Avoid bathing, changing clothes, or cleaning the scene if possible before undergoing a medical exam, as this can help preserve evidence.
   Keep any written communication, recordings, or items that may support your report.
6. Seek Counseling and Support
   SGBV can have lasting emotional and psychological effects. Speaking with a counselor or joining support groups can be helpful in the healing process.
7. Follow Up with Legal Procedures
   Important.

“Confidentiality and support are key in the process. Ensure you are accessing help from trustworthy sources to avoid traumatization”, Mr Kazeem Olorunloba (Zeemo) said.

On his part, Sir James Bfr, who is the Convener of the Save A Soul Initiative, and a multiple award-winning radio presenter and his co-organizer, Princess Morenikeji, who is a paralegal, unanimously urged all state Governors in Nigeria to follow the footprint of the Lagos state government in tackling the cases of SGBV and take punishment seriously in their states to deter would be offenders.

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