The Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP), Managers of Ireti Resource Center, in collaboration with the Canada Fund for Local Initiative, continued their commitment to community empowerment by sustaining a Community Legal Clinic in Lagos.
This initiative, held on Tuesday, extended its reach to the Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Alimosho Local Government Area (LGA).
The program has earlier being held in Ikotun-Igando and Idimu LCDAs.
Funded by the Canada Fund for Local Initiative, the project aims to provide vital legal aid services to underprivileged and marginalized communities, placing a special emphasis on survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
According to Precious Eberechukwu, Ireti Resource Center Manager, the event served as a pivotal platform for community members to engage with pro bono lawyers, offering services ranging from legal representation to advice and counseling on various legal aspects, including SGBV Human Rights, Child Rights Law, Disability Law, and Domestic Violence Law.
WRAHP’s Executive Director, Bose Ironsi, highlighted the significance of Community Legal Clinics in ensuring access to justice, particularly for girls and women affected by SGBV. The program not only provides legal assistance but also extends support with safety planning and access to resources related to SGBV.
Ironsi emphasized the role of community structures, involving Artisans, Market women and men, Christian and Muslim Clergy, and other community members, in making this initiative effective.
The project, according to her, will span across the 6 LCDAs in Alimosho LGA.
As part of the initiative, legal practitioners, namely Barristers Amaka Agianpuye, Bridget Andrew Machief, and Cynthia Ibe, enlightened community leaders on People With Disability (PWD), Domestic Violence, and Child Rights laws of Lagos State. The training session aimed to enhance awareness and understanding of these legal frameworks within the community.
WRAHP, a registered not-for-profit organization, reiterates its commitment to promoting women and community health by actively engaging community members as agents of social change.
In addressing the prevalent issue of SGBV in Lagos State, Ironsi urged the media to join their efforts in breaking the culture of silence surrounding these cases.
The Community Legal Clinic for SGBV survivors is poised to play a pivotal role in guiding individuals through the legal system and ensuring access to justice.
“WRAHP remains dedicated to its mission of fostering positive change through information sharing, capacity building, and advocacy,” Ironsi said.