LAGOS DSVA LAUNCHES SMART TEENS ADVOCACY INITIATIVE BOOKLET AS PART OF EFFORTS TO PREVENT SEXUAL AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has launched the Smart Teens Advocacy Initiative (STAI) in Education District I to equip adolescents with the knowledge and confidence to recognise, prevent and report Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

The launch, at Girls Senior High School, Agege, brought together 320 students from schools across the district. Themed “Stay Safe, Speak Up,” the initiative promotes personal safety, healthy boundaries, peer advocacy and speaking out against abuse.

In her welcome address, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, emphasised the importance of empowering young people to protect themselves and support others.

Vivour-Adeniyi encouraged students to challenge harmful attitudes, promote respect and report abuse without fear of blame or intimidation.

She also called on parents, teachers, caregivers and relevant institutions to ensure that children are heard, supported and protected.

The Head of the Counselling Unit, Education District I, Dr. Rosanwo, commended the initiative in her goodwill message, urging students to apply the lessons learnt and encouraging the creation of safe school environments where they can confidently seek guidance and report concerns.

Delivering the keynote address, “Stay Safe and Speak Up,” the State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network, Aderonke Oyelakin, highlighted the importance of recognising unsafe situations, establishing personal boundaries, making informed decisions and staying safe online.

She urged students to report abuse to trusted adults and appropriate authorities.

A session titled “Breaking the Silence in Our Schools: Preventing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Through Teen Advocacy,” facilitated by Bunmi Amosu, addressed physical, sexual, emotional and technology-facilitated abuse.

Students were encouraged to challenge bullying, harassment, peer pressure and other harmful behaviours, while promoting respect and healthy relationships.

Through the Smart Teens Advocacy Initiative, DSVA continues to advance public enlightenment, child protection and the prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence across Lagos State.