Lafarge takes campaign against gender-based violence to schools

Lafarge Africa Plc, an innovative and sustainable building solutions company and manufacturer of a range of cement brands, has launched an awareness campaign on gender-based violence among students across its communities as part of activities to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day held recently

Speaking at one of the workshops held at Onitolo Community Senior High School, Lagos, the Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Director of Lafarge Plc, Viola Graham-Douglas, explained that the workshop was organised to help particularly young girls to understand the meaning of gender-based violence and the correct approach to address and avoid it.

According to her, gender-based violence is not just about inflicting physical harm on the victims.

She said: “It is rather any action that makes one feels unsafe, disrespected, or powerless because of gender.

“If someone or a situation makes you feel uncomfortable or afraid, whether in schools or any other place, speak up and talk to someone that you trust. By so doing, you are protecting yourself, which is the right thing to do.”

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Famasi Africa, Adeola Ayoola, charged the students, especially girls to always be bold and courageous in confronting fears by exposing whoever that subjected them to violence- based on their gender, noting that such action would bring shame to the abusers.

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She also urged them to avoid seeking people’s validation for their actions as this could make them vulnerable to gender-based violence.

Earlier in her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of The Re-Direct Academy, Helen Oladele, stressed the need for young ladies to be disciplined and inculcate the right values that would help them shape the future they desire.

The sensitisation workshop was put together by Lafarge Africa Plc in partnership with the Lagos State Education District IV.