The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing gender-based violence through initiatives aimed at educating, training relevant stakeholders, and implementing behavioral mindset-changing programs.
One of these behavioral mindset-changing programs -Market Fiesta tagged “MEN WEY SABI” was again organized at the foremost Nigeria’s Lagos International Trade Fair 2023 at Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, Lagos Island.
Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary said that the program critically aimed at addressing gender stereotypes in Lagos which statistics have shown to be among the resultant causes of Domestic Violence in various homes.
The Executive Secretary, who was represented by Mr. Adewusi Damilare called attention to the need to empower women, stressing that this required the collaborative effort of all stakeholders to actualize the shared responsibility.
She urged the Public, elected officials, and citizens to use their space, office, and platform to rally support for Gender Equality.
Adewusi while drumming up support for Gender Equality said “Market Fiesta” raised awareness of men’s critical roles in preventing sexual and domestic abuse and fostering marital partnership. He highlighted that the objective of the program was to dispel myths about men’s participation in the kitchen as against gender-stereotyped roles ascribed to women and the value of teamwork in marriage as a critical mutual support system in homes.
The cooking competition sponsored by Power Oil Nigeria Limited had 5 men chosen randomly from among the market men, spectators, and visitors to the trade fair.
Mr. Olalekan Hamed (AG) the winner of the cooking competition acknowledged
governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s efforts to create the needed balance for both genders to thrive in the society which he opined would create a safer society and healthier relationships. He expressed gratitude to the organizers for infusing the idea into the 2023 Lagos International Trade Fair.
Other Participants in the competition were Temitope Gabriel, Adepegba Solomon,
Sikiru Yusuf and Odebe Hamed.
Adejoke Ladenegan-Oginni
Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency
9/11/2023
