LAGOS State University (LASU), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (CRPSGBV), made a significant stride in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) by visiting the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp, Igando and the IDERA Sexual Assault Referal Centre at the Alimosho General Hospital.
The visit, which took place on Thursday, April 25, 2024, marked a crucial step in the ongoing "Training the Trainers" programme aimed at equipping participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in emergencies.
The facilitators and participants of the programme conducted a comprehensive GBV audit during the visit, closely observing the operations of both centres. Additionally, they familiarised themselves with the mission and core values of the Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies (GBViE) Course, further enhancing their understanding of the subject matter.
Upon arrival at the IDP Camp, the group received a warm welcome from Mr Olukolade Simeon Olatunbosun, the Camp Commandant/Head of Special Duties at the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Igando Centre. Mr Olatunbosun expressed his gratitude for the visit, emphasising that Lagos State is the only State in Nigeria with a permanent IDP camp, which has provided shelter to over 30,000 migrants affected by natural disasters, armed conflicts, and community violence.
The next destination was the IDERA Sexual Assault Reference Centre at Alimosho General Hospital, where Mrs Moromoke Babatunde-Martins, the Centre Manager, warmly received the facilitators and participants. Mrs Babatunde-Martins expressed her delight at LASU being the first institution in the South-West region to offer this type of training, which will empower the participants to become trainers for other institutions.
The visit to both centres proved enlightening for the participants, providing a deeper understanding of the challenges faced in addressing Gender-Based Violence in emergencies.
