Lagos DSVA celebrates International Women’s Day 2025
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC)-supported by the European Union and implemented by International IDEA hosted the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 celebration for Survivors on March 7, 2025.
The event, themed “Accelerate Action,” focused on taking immediate steps to promote gender equality, protect women’s rights, and challenge societal norms that hinder progress was hosted by Dr. Gbonjubola Babalola- Abiri; a leading voice in mental health advocacy and gender-based violence prevention.
The Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency in her welcome address noted that the International women’s day, is a day dedicated to celebrating the strength, resilience, and triumphs of women around the world, especially the Survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The day is also a powerful reminder of the
progress that has been made and the challenges that persist in achieving gender equality. It is a day that amplifies the voices of Survivors, highlights the gaps in legal protections and social responses, and calls for continued action to combat sexual and gender-based violence in all its forms.
In her call to action, she emphasized that we must continue advocating for policies that protect women and girls, strengthen support systems for Survivors, educate
communities to break the cycle of violence and empower women economically to reduce vulnerabilities to abuse.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, an internationally recognized gender advocate and founder of the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF).
Dr. DaSilva-Ibru stated that collective action is critical and that no one can tackle gender inequality alone.
According to her, education and awareness must be prioritized to shift societal perceptions about women’s roles. Women need safe spaces and mental health support to heal from trauma.
The panel progressed into a panel session on ‘Conversations on Accelerating Action towards Gender Equality. The panel session was made up of experts such as Dr. Tolulope Oko-Igaire; an expert in couples therapy, sex therapy and mental health, Mrs. Betty Abah; Founder of Cee Hope Foundation, Mr. Jubril Yakubu; Director Human Integration, Ministry of Youth and Social Development and was moderated by Mrs. Debola Oni; a lawyer and founder of Gracie’ Place Shelter.
The panelists provided insights into topics such as the ‘the Power of the Mind in Gender Advocacy, Community Led Advocacy for Women’s Rights, The Role of Boys and Men in Promoting Gender Equality and the Power of Grassroots Mobilization.
The event included a pilates and wellness session led by Ms. Oyinkan Talabi to promote mental and physical well-being, reinforcing the importance of self-care for women.
During the last session of the event, the participants emphasized that achieving progress in gender equality includes multi-faceted approaches that includes education and awareness and economic and financial reforms
The International Women’s Day Celebration reinforced the need for immediate action in achieving gender equality.
Adejoke Ladenegan-Oginni
Head Public Affairs Unit
LAGOS DSVA
9/3/2025
