Ade Jacobs
The Lagos State Government has said it will support the Genotype Foundation campaign against gender-based violence in the state in a bid to eliminate domestic violence, particularly against women.
The Secretary to the State Government, Folashade Jaji, stated this during an event organised by the Genotype Foundation with the theme, “GBV/Sickle Cell Disorder: Where Do We Belong.”
She said it is imperative for parents to join forces with the government in stamping out the menace from society.
“Parents must regularly educate girls and young women living with Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD) on their Fundamental Human Rights and what to do when anyone violates such rights. Everyone needs to stand up for human rights and GBV irrespective of religion, ethnicity and status so that we can collectively eradicate gender-based violence in the society,” Jaji said.
She noted that while people without any disorder are falling victims of the menace on a daily basis, individuals suffering from other health disorders, especially people living with Sickle Cell Disorder are at a greater risk of domestic violence.
The Lagos State scribe reiterated the commitment of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration to the continuous implementation of various initiatives aimed at stamping out the heinous crime of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and also commended the unrelenting efforts of the Genotype Foundation for creating a platform to address the challenges of those living with sickle cell disorder in Lagos State and Nigeria.
On her part, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Lagos, Cecilia Bolaji Dada, urged SCD patients who are also survivors of GBV, to speak up and let society know what they are passing through.
She enjoined all survivors to keep hope alive, noting that sickle cell disorder is not a death sentence and that they can still achieve their goals in life with the right attitude, determination and strict compliance with medical advice.
“Beyond all that we would say here today, I implore you to speak up on issues that are affecting you negatively. By speaking up, you would give society a better understanding of your plight and how they can help make this journey easier for you,” she said.