By Ogunbowale, Tolulope Sobiye
Every society hopes to be a safe place where people can live without fear. But can we truly call our communities safe when many people still suffer abuse because of their gender? Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) is a painful reality that affects families, schools, workplaces and communities across Nigeria. It is not just a personal problem, it is a social problem that concerns everyone. When one person is abused, the whole community feels the impact.
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence simply means any form of violence, abuse or harmful treatment directed at a person because of their sex or gender. It can happen to women, men, girls or boys, although women and girls are more often affected. SGBV includes rape, sexual harassment, domestic violence, unwanted touching, emotional abuse, forced marriage, intimidation, and denying someone opportunities because of gender. Whether it happens behind closed doors or in public, violence is violence and no one deserves to live in fear.
Many factors encourage SGBV in our society. Gender inequality is one of the causes, where one gender is wrongly seen as superior to another. This is evident in a patriarchal society like Nigeria. Harmful cultural beliefs, poor upbringing, lack of education about consent and respect, poverty, drug and alcohol abuse, and fear of reporting abuse also contribute to the problem. Sadly, many victims remain silent because they fear blame, rejection, or threats. As the saying goes, “A stitch in time saves nine.” Speaking up early can prevent greater harm.
Evidently, the effects of SGBV go beyond physical injuries. Victims may suffer emotional pain, depression, fear, anxiety, low self-esteem, unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. Some lose confidence in themselves, while others struggle to carry on in life due to trauma. Families are broken, children are emotionally affected, and communities lose peace and trust. Violence leaves scars that are not always visible.
We must also stop believing harmful myths about SGBV. No one deserves abuse because of what they wear, where they go, or who they are. The blame should never be placed on the victim. People belief that domestic violence is a private family matter. But should silence protect violence? Certainly not. Keeping quiet only gives offenders more power.
Fortunately, Lagos State has continued to show that there is no room for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. As part of the 2026 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, the Lagos State Government launched the campaign titled “It ends with us.” The campaign brought together residents, students, community leaders, civil society group and government officials in an advocacy walk through Ikeja. Participants carried placards with messages such as “Break the Silence,” “Speak Up Against SGBV,” and “Protect Women and Children.” The campaign encouraged victims to report abuse and not to accommodate violence.
The advocacy walk also had the support of several ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Information and Strategy, the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the Office of the Head of Service, the Lagos State Health Districts and many more. Their participation showed that ending SGBV requires a united effort from every sector of society. The advocates wore purple for the campaign.
Beyond public campaigns, Lagos State supports survivors through the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA). The agency provides counselling, legal guidance, medical referrals and other support services. It also carries out awareness programmes in schools and communities to educate people about consent, respect, healthy relationships and the importance of reporting abuse.
The fight against SGBV is everyone’s responsibility. Parents should teach children respect and empathy. Schools should create safe environments where learners understand healthy relationships. Religious and community leaders should speak against abuse instead of covering it up. Friends, neighbours and family members should support survivors and encourage them to seek help.
As the popular saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” In the same way, it takes the whole community to end violence. Let us refuse to look the other way when abuse happens. By breaking the silence, supporting survivors, and holding offenders accountable, we can build a safer Lagos and a better Nigeria where everyone lives with dignity, respect and hope.
