OAU students unveil programme to tackle sexual violence

A team of students at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in Osun State, has launched a project aimed at combating sexual and gender-based violence on campus and in the surrounding communities.

The initiative, known as the Safe Communities Project, is part of LEAP Africa’s Youth Leadership Development Programme’s Sustainability Pathway and is executed in partnership with VARSH Foundation, according to the team lead, Hassanat Adebowale.

This development came to light during a two-day intensive training programme held at the university, which brought together 24 undergraduates, including key members of the Students’ Union.

Adebowale explained in a statement on Saturday that the project’s objectives include “equipping student leaders with knowledge and skills to become effective advocates against SGBV. Our goal is to cultivate a culture of safety and respect that will ripple through our campus and beyond.”

The training covered various aspects of SGBV, including its root causes, recognition, response strategies, and effective advocacy methods.

A lecturer in the Department of Mental Health, College of Health Sciences, OAU, Prof. Boladale Mapayi, led the session on recognising and responding to SGBV on campus, providing participants with practical skills and insights drawn from research and experience.

The Head of the Gender Unit, Take It Back Movement, Omolola Pedro, who was a facilitator, emphasised the project’s purpose, saying, “What we’re doing here goes beyond just awareness. We’re building a cadre of young leaders who can actively intervene and create lasting change in their communities.”

The initiative was also backed by the leadership of the Great Ife Students’ Union.

The union’s Vice President, Odediji Christianah, stated that student leaders have the responsibility to create a safe environment for all, adding, “This training has given us the tools to effectively address SGBV on our campus.”

Other Students’ Union officers involved include the Financial Secretary, Fajuyi Ikeoluwa; the Secretary-General, Babatimeyin Kinfeosi; and the Welfare Officer, Busari Samuel.

The Executive Director of VARSH Foundation, Salvation Grace, noted the partnership between VARSH, LEAP Africa, and the students, saying it “sets a precedent for universities across Nigeria in addressing SGBV.”

Stakeholders continue to campaign against sexual and domestic violence in Nigeria, as the menace persistently raises its ugly head.

On Wednesday, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, stated that the agency handles an average of 300 domestic violence cases every month, adding that in the last 10 years, 6,333 survivors have been assisted.

She spoke at a symposium to mark the 10th anniversary of the LDSVA.