The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education led a community campaign against sexual and gender-based violence at the Ewenla community.
The Purple Day activities served as a platform for the campaign which was conducted by the Education District VI of the Ministry, to raise awareness among residents, transport workers, traders, and drivers of the community.
The Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Mojisola Christiana Yusuf, led the campaign, stressing the importance of identifying, preventing, and reporting abuse., while highlighting the “See Something, Say Something” as a call to action.
The Ministry reached out to the members of the Ewenla community through songs, public engagement, and direct outreach, district staff urging them to guard children, women, and families from violence.
According to the Permanent Secretary, violence should never be concealed especially when vulnerable individuals are involved. She encouraged peaceful resolution of disputes among families and open conversations from parents to children concerning personal safety and inappropriate physical touch.
The involvement of transport workers and traders was a key feature of the programme.
A National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) leader, Comrade Sunday Oludare, praised the district for its continued partnership with the union as well as the inclusion of individuals outside the education system in the campaign.
Participants were urged to hold on to the lessons, particularly by educating female children daughters about personal safety and providing the platform for them to open up.
The campaign also featured an interactive session where participants raised questions about conflict resolution in relationships. However, Mrs Adu, a social worker with the district, highlighted that of violence is unacceptable, urging couples to resort to peaceful conflict resolution and involve appropriate authorities when necessary