In a significant initiative, the Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP), Managers of Ireti Resource Center, partnered with the Canada Fund For Local Initiative to organize a Community Legal Clinic at Ikotun, Lagos State.
The event, held at Ikotun-Igando Local Council Development Area, aimed at providing legal aid services to underprivileged and marginalized communities, with a specific focus on survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
The Community Legal Clinic served as a platform for community members to engage with pro bono lawyers, offering services ranging from legal representation to advice and counseling on SGBV Human Rights, Child Rights Law, Disability Law, and Domestic Violence Law. This program also extended assistance with safety planning and access to resources related to SGBV.
WRAHP’s Executive Director, Bose Ironsi, emphasized the importance of empowering survivors with knowledge about their legal rights.
She stated, “We will work with community structures that include artisans, market women and men, Christian and Muslim clergymen, and other community members.”
The initiative is set to be implemented across the six Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Alimosho LGA as part of the organization’s commitment to addressing SGBV issues.
Ironsi further highlighted WRAHP’s mission as an innovative, registered not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting women and community health through information sharing, capacity building, and advocacy.
“We recognize the prevalence of SGBV cases in Lagos State communities and we are determined to continue our efforts to combat this menace,” Ironsi added.
During the event, Barrister Cynthia Ibe urged participants to adopt the ethos of “hear something, say something, and do something immediately.” She emphasized Lagos State’s zero tolerance for SGBV issues and encouraged individuals to report any such cases to the police, human rights organizations like Ireti Resource Center, and others.
Barrister Amaka Agianpuye took the opportunity to educate the community structures on the Child Rights Law of Lagos State 2015, and the rights of Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
Stressing the obligation to protect children and ensure access to health, she urged community members to report any form of child abuse promptly.
In conclusion, WRAHP implored the media to join their fight against the culture of silence surrounding SGBV, highlighting the crucial role of community legal clinics in helping individuals navigate the legal system and access justice.
The event marked a significant step towards empowering communities and breaking the barriers to justice for survivors of SGBV.