Lagos Launches ‘Queens Club’ Initiative To Empower Girls

In response to the increasing cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), in partnership with the Ministry of Education, has launched the ‘Queens Club’ initiative to create a sustainable social structure in educational institutions.

The concept will help debunk socio-cultural misconceptions, dismantle patriarchy, encourage gender equality, bring about behavioural as well as attitudinal change and ultimately raise empowered girls.

Speaking at the induction ceremony of 310 girls into the Queens’ Club on Thursday at Ikeja Senior Grammar School Hall, Bolade, Oshodi, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, commended the DSVA for introducing various policies to ensure an attitudinal change in society, urging members of the newly inaugurated Queens Club to see themselves as ambassadors and change agents.

She stated that by virtue of the knowledge received during the six-week training programme, participants have become peer educators and would be able to affect the desired change among their colleagues for a better world.

The Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Sherifat Folashade Jaji, represented by Mrs. Olabisi Shonibare, Director, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, encouraged students to always strive for excellence while championing a world free of all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, noted that within a period of six weeks over 300 secondary school students, drawn from 31 schools in Education Districts II & VI, were exposed to the Queens Club Curriculum comprising modules on Sexual and Reproductive Rights and Health, Femininity, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Anger Management, Grit, Resilience & Tenacity and Transitioning from Girl to Woman.

Vivour-Adeniyi also informed that the Queens Club initiative would be replicated across all Education Districts in Lagos State.

After taking the pledge of allegiance, the students were subsequently inducted into the club and awarded certificates as well as identity cards to validate their induction.