Lagos launches Queens’ Club to empower, protect 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 Queens’ Club, an initiative meant to create a sustainable social structure in educational institutions.

The initiative seeks to help debunk socio-cultural misconceptions, dismantle patriarchy, encourage gender equality, bring about behavioural and attitudinal change and ultimately raise empowered girls.

At the induction ceremony of 310 girls into the Queens’ Club at the Ikeja Senior Grammar School Hall, Bolade, Oshodi, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, explained 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 Queen’s Club Curriculum.

She said the curriculum comprise modules on sexual reproductive rights and health; femininity, sexual and genderbased violence, anger management, grit, resilience, tenacity and transitioning from girl to womanhood.

Vivour-Adeniyi disclosed 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.

In her remark, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, commended the DSVA for introducing various policies to ensure an attitudinal change in the society.

She admonished members of the newly inaugurated club to see themselves as ambassadors and change agents.