IWD: Advocates Urge FG To Integrate SGBV Education Into School Curriculum

Women’s rights advocates in Osun State have called on the Federal Government to include Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) education in the nation’s school curriculum as part of efforts to curb rising cases of abuse and promote safer communities.

The appeal was made at the weekend during a press conference to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day by the Executive Director of Eco Center for Transformation and Empowerment Initiative, Citizen Lola Wey, and the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Osun State branch, Mrs Damilola Olabiyi.

Speaking, Wey said integrating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence education into school curricula would raise awareness among individuals and equip them with the knowledge needed to prevent and respond to abuse.

She explained that SGBV remains a pervasive problem affecting individuals regardless of age, gender or social status, adding that early education would help foster empathy, promote safer environments and encourage victims to speak up.

Wey also called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to establish at least two additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) in the remaining senatorial districts to ensure that survivors can receive timely medical examination, treatment and counselling.

On her part, the FIDA Chairperson in Osun State, Olabiyi, expressed concern over what she described as poor enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law by some law enforcement officers.

She said despite the domestication of the law in the state, some police officers still dismiss domestic violence complaints as “family matters,” thereby discouraging victims from seeking justice.

Olabiyi urged the Nigeria Police Force in Osun State to sensitise officers on the provisions of the VAPP Law and ensure strict enforcement to protect women and children from abuse.