The Lagos State Government has urged public servants to take collective action against gender-based violence (GBV) in workplaces and society.
The call was made on Tuesday at a forum titled “Mainstreaming Sexual Harassment Prevention in the State Public Service,” organised by the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).
Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, stressed that every worker must play an active role in curbing violence and harassment.
“Although both men and women experience violence, the patterns and consequences differ. Cultural norms and social beliefs often legitimise and perpetuate gender-based violence,” she said.
Vivour-Adeniyi outlined the various forms of abuse — including rape, defilement, sexual assault, harassment, female genital mutilation, and early marriage — and urged survivors to report incidents promptly.
“There must be a safe system for reporting harassment without fear of retaliation. Every case, however minor, must be addressed to prevent escalation,” she added.
She explained that DSVA was created to enhance survivor safety and ensure accountability for offenders through coordinated state responses.
Mrs. Olubusola Abidakun, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Establishments and Training, called on public servants to uphold zero tolerance for sexual harassment, describing it as “an assault on the values that bind public institutions.”
She emphasised that preventing misconduct was both a moral and legal duty, vital to sustaining professionalism and productivity.
Mr. Oluyemi Adeosun, Chief Economist at BusinessDay Media, advised organisations to adopt clear fraternisation policies and enforce strict accountability to protect victims and maintain workplace integrity.
