In response to the increasing cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), in partnership with the Ministry of Education have launched a timely intervention called the 'Queens Club Initiative'.
The initiative is to create a sustainable social structure in educational institutions, that will help debunk socio-cultural misconceptions, dismantle patriarchy, encourage gender equality, bring about behavioral as well as attitudinal change and ultimately raise empowered girls.
At the induction ceremony of 310 girls into the Queens Club, which took place at Ikeja Senior Grammar School Hall, Bolade, Oshodi, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu commended the efforts of the DSVA in ensuring attitudinal change in the society while urging members of the newly inaugurated Queens Club to see themselves as ambassadors and change agents.
She stated that by virtue of the knowledge they have received, they have become peer educators and would be able to affect the desired change required for a better world.
Secretary to the State Government, Folashade Jaji who spoke through Director, Office of the Secretary to the State Government Shonibare, urged the students to continue to strive for excellence and champion a world free of all forms of Sexual and Gender Based Violence.
Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, noted that over the course of 6 weeks over 300 secondary school students, drawn from 31 schools in Education District 2 & 6 have been exposed to the Queens Club curriculum.
At the end of the program, the girls were exposed to modules on Sexual and Reproductive Rights and Health, Femininity, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, Anger Management, Grit, Resilience & Tenacity and Transitioning from Girl to Woman.
After taking the pledge of allegiance, the students were subsequently inducted into the club and awarded certificates as well as identity cards to validate their induction into the club.
In a bid to show gratitude for their sacrifices, selfless service and for a job well done during the course of the six weeks training, the various mentors and facilitators were presented with plaques and certificates.
The Queens Club initiative would be replicated across all Education Districts in Lagos State.
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