Lagos, Nigeria – In celebration of International Women’s Day, Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading company in sustainable building solutions, has launched a significant gender-based violence (GBV) awareness campaign, aimed at educating young girls across communities. The campaign kicked off with a gender-sensitization and self-defense workshop at Onitolo Community Senior High School in Lagos, with a focus on equipping students with the knowledge and tools to understand, prevent, and confront gender-based violence.

Viola Graham-Douglas, the Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Director of Lafarge Africa, emphasized the importance of the initiative, highlighting that gender-based violence extends beyond physical harm. She explained, “Gender-based violence is any action that makes you feel unsafe, disrespected, or powerless because of your gender.” She encouraged the students to trust their instincts and speak out whenever they feel uncomfortable or threatened, reassuring them that self-protection is always the right course of action.

Graham-Douglas also shared affirmations with the young girls, urging them to embrace confidence, self-awareness, and boldness both in school and in their everyday lives. “Today’s workshop serves as a huge opportunity for us to assist those who need support and empower them to defend themselves against abuse,” she added.

The workshop featured notable speakers such as Adeola Ayoola, CEO of Famasi Africa, who inspired the young girls to confront their fears with courage and stand up against perpetrators of gender-based violence. “Being bold and courageous will bring shame to the perpetrators of violence,” Ayoola stated, encouraging the girls to prioritize self-confidence and avoid seeking external validation, which could make them vulnerable to abuse.

Helen Oladele, CEO of The Re-Direct Academy, and a passionate gender rights advocate, also addressed the students, stressing the importance of discipline and instilling the right values to shape their futures. She called on young girls to find their voices and challenge any force that seeks to harm them.

The workshop also featured a breakout session where counselors and volunteers shared personal experiences and provided guidance to those who have been victims of gender-based violence. The students were encouraged to overcome stigma and regain their confidence in the face of adversity.

A highlight of the day was a practical taekwondo session, where the students were taught various self-defense techniques as a means of protecting themselves from potential threats.

The gender-based violence sensitization and defense workshop was organized by Lafarge Africa Plc in collaboration with the Lagos Ministry of Education’s Education District IV. The initiative is part of Lafarge’s broader commitment to creating safer, more empowered communities and providing young people with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and others from gender-based violence.