LASG Hosts Landmark Symposium on Gender-Based Violence and Workplace Productivity

Spread the love

Lagos, Nigeria — The Lagos State Government, through the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), has hosted a landmark symposium on the Impact of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) on Labour and Organisational Productivity in the Workplace.

The event, held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, brought together over 130 professionals from the banking, oil and gas, hospitality, FMCG, and trade union sectors.

SGBV: An Economic and Human Rights Issue

In her welcome address, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of DSVA, emphasised that SGBV is both a human rights violation and a serious economic challenge. She revealed that, according to the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, the country loses an estimated $3 billion annually — about 1% of GDP — due to gender-based violence.

A DSVA survey of 549 professionals highlighted the urgency:

70% of respondents had experienced workplace harassment.
89.3% knew someone affected.
Only 4.5% had never encountered harassment.

“This reality underscores the need for enforceable workplace policies that prohibit misconduct and promote dignity, respect, and inclusivity,” she said.

Legislative and Corporate Commitment

Hon. (Dr.) Princess Omolara Oyekan Olumegbon, Chairman of the Lagos State House Committee on Women Affairs, reaffirmed the House’s determination to strengthen legal frameworks against SGBV.

Corporate voices also echoed support. Mrs. Adebola Surakat, Chief Marketing Officer of AXA Mansard, pledged continued partnership with DSVA to empower employees and build awareness.

In her keynote, Dr. Kemi Da-Silva Ibru, Founder of WARIF, stressed the need for zero-tolerance policies and survivor support systems, warning of the heavy toll of SGBV on productivity.

Launch of Workplace Guidelines

A key highlight of the symposium was the launch of the “Lagos State Guidelines for Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.” This framework aims to provide organisations with tools to ensure safer and more inclusive workplaces.

The event featured a panel of experts — Comrade Oyinkan Olasanoye, Dr. Nkechinyere Duru, Dr. Iyadunni Atinuke Gbadebo, Mrs. Olubusola Abidakun, and Comrade Abiodun Aladetan, moderated by Ms. Anuli Aniedo — who discussed strategies for managing harassment and building safer work environments.

Broad Stakeholder Support

The symposium was supported by TelMD, which offered free medical check-ups, as well as partners including the Trade Union Congress Women’s Commission, WEMA Bank, and AXA Mansard.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Gbonjubola Abiri, Consultant Psychiatrist and CEO of Redimed Consulting Services, thanked private sector organisations, development partners, and guests for making the event a success.