The African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development (CentreLSD) has commenced consultations and community mapping under its Male Engagement Project for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) in Lagos State, Nigeria. By design, the project also addresses sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

The project goal is to mobilise action to protect all women and girls, particularly the most vulnerable, who fall easy prey to violence and harmful practices. The project is being implemented in six states: Lagos, Cross River, Ebonyi, Sokoto, Adamawa, and the FCT. CentreLSD will work with implementing partners to achieve the project goal.

A statement issued by the project lead at CentreLSD, Mr. Vincent Dania, said, ‘[CentreLSD] shall mobilise men and set up platforms of men against sexual and gender-based violence at the community level; strengthen the capacities of identified traditional, religious leaders and media; identify and train male advocates and champions at different levels (community, state and national) to continuously speak up against Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG). The Centre shall also engage male opinion leaders to secure support for VAWG, gender equality and the empowerment of women; train women and girls’ rights defenders in relevant skills to better engage with religious leaders to end [VAWG]’.

CentreLSD has called on citizens online to follow its activities via #SpotlightEndViolence #SpotlightNG and #MenAgainstSGBV

Source: MenagainstSBGV

Photo source: CentreLSD