LASU Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance for Gender-Based Violence at 2026 International Women’s Day Celebration

Lagos State University, through its Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (CRPSGBV), in collaboration with key partners, commemorated the 2026 International Women's Day (IWD) with a strong call for the protection of women's rights, access to justice, and sustained action against gender-based violence.

The event, held on Thursday, 26th March 2026, at Buba Marwa Auditorium, Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos, was themed “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls". It brought together stakeholders from academia, development organisations, and the private sector.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola OLATUNJI-BELLO, mni, NPOM, who was represented by the Director, CRPSGBV, described the theme as a call to intentional action for gender equality, safety, and dignity. 

Professor Olatunji-Bello noted that despite the progress recorded in recent years on gender issues, systemic barriers still limit access to education, leadership, and justice. She reaffirmed LASU’s commitment to strengthening policies and institutional frameworks that promote equity and protection.

Delivering the Director, CRPSGBV's address, the Assistant Director in charge of Rape Cases, Dr Philomena OJOMO, emphasised that the rights of women and girls are fundamental and must be protected at all times. She noted that many survivors of gender-based violence still suffer in silence due to stigma, fear, and delayed justice, and called for deliberate and collective efforts to create safe spaces and responsive support systems.

Dr Ojomo further highlighted that Lagos State University’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual abuse, alongside the establishment of a dedicated Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (CRPSGBV), positions the University as a leader in addressing gender-based violence within Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

Goodwill messages from partner organisations reinforced the importance of collaboration in tackling gender inequality and violence.

Speaking on behalf of the Forum of African Women Educationalists (FAWE), Lagos Chapter, Dr. Ruth LAWAL highlighted the role of education in empowering women and dismantling the culture of silence around abuse. The Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Mrs Olapeju IBEKWE, underscored the importance of sustainable interventions that provide survivors with access to justice, healthcare, and economic empowerment, while the Branch Manager, Access Bank PLC, LASU Branch, Adedoyin EGBEKOYA, emphasised the role of financial institutions in promoting inclusion and supporting women’s economic independence.

Collectively, the partners called for stronger multi-sectoral collaboration to ensure that the rights of women and girls are not only recognised but actively protected.

The immediate past Dean, Faculty of Science, Professor Moses AKANBI, also gave a goodwill message at the all-important event.

A major highlight of the event was the screening of Chatroom, a film that explores the realities of sexual and gender-based violence, including stigma, trauma, and societal pressure faced by survivors. The film reinforced the urgent need for institutional accountability, safe reporting channels, and supportive environments for survivors.

As part of activities marking the day, insights from the National Campus Climate Baseline Survey on Sexual Harassment in Nigerian Public Tertiary Institutions were highlighted, revealing the prevalence of gender-based violence across campuses and underscoring the need for strengthened institutional responses, policy implementation, and sustained advocacy.

The 2026 International Women's Day event at Lagos State University reinforced the need to move beyond advocacy to measurable action in promoting gender equity and safeguarding the rights of women and girls. Participants were encouraged to play active roles in fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and inclusion within the University and society at large.