… also train them on Mental Health Psycho-social Support (MHPSS)

In an effort to address the prevalent issue of sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has taken steps to build the capacity of female lecturers and students in the tertiary educational system. Recognizing the detrimental effects of such violence on victims’ self-esteem, the initiative aims to empower women and promote gender equality in the country.

Statistics reveal that over 20 percent of women in Nigeria have experienced sexual and gender-based violence, with cases of “sex for grades” still alarmingly prevalent in higher institutions. Moreover, a significant gender gap exists in various sectors of the Nigerian economy, hindering women from realizing their full potential, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence. Additionally, online violence has seen an increase, posing further challenges for women in the country. Discrimination against women and stringent policies have contributed to a wide gender gap in the enrollment of women in STEM and tech programs.

To address these issues and create a supportive environment, UNFPA launched the Mentor-Mentee (MM) Program at Lagos State University in March 2023. The program employs a peer-to-peer approach, allowing female students, lecturers, and support staff to provide support to each other, bridge the gender gap, and unlock their potential for innovation.

On July 12 2023, UNFPA organized a capacity-building session, which saw the participation of 28 female lecturers (mentors) and 14 female students (mentees). The training focused on the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PSEAH), as well as mental health psychosocial support (MHPSS). By equipping participants with skills to transform attitudes, behaviors, and social norms at both individual and interpersonal levels, the program aims to prevent gender-based violence and enhance access to essential public services for women and girls affected by violence.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs.) Adenike Omotunde Boyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), emphasized the importance of women taking leadership roles in addressing sexual gender-based violence, which remains a global concern.

The UNFPA OIC Lagos liaison office Head of Office also elaborated on the effort of UNFPA towards eliminating all forms of violence affecting women and girls in our community. In His remarks, He appreciates the management of the university for adopting this laudable initiative that will promote a safe environment for the institution.

During the training session, Dr. Esther Somefun, UNFPA Gender/RH Analyst, and Mr. Oladimeji Ibrahim, UNFPA Project Officers, served as facilitators. They provided enlightening presentations on “Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment” and “Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS).”

The UNFPA’s efforts to empower female lecturers and students in Nigeria through capacity-building initiatives demonstrate a commitment to addressing gender-based violence and promoting gender equality within the country’s educational institutions.