Women from the Oke-Ira community in Ogba, Lagos State, were engaged in a community dialogue focused on gender-based violence, mental health, and digital safety.
The event, which was held in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026, was organized by Rhoda Serene Care Foundation in partnership with Arise for Girls, Journalists for Christ, BO Foundation for Inclusive Media, and Glorious Hearts Foundation Nigeria
The programme, themed “Her Voice, Her Power,” featured a “Circle Conversation” aimed to encourage open dialogue on issues such as gender-based violence, female genital mutilation, mental health and technology-facilitated violence and create a safe platform for women and girls to share experiences and discuss challenges affecting their well-being.
Rhoda Olorunfemi, Founder of Rhoda Serene Care Foundation, said the initiative was aimed at empowering women at the grassroots level and encouraging them to speak up against abuse.
“Our goal is to shift the narrative from victimhood to agency. By gathering in a circle, we are not just talking; we are building a sisterhood of protection and a collective pledge for a safer Oke-Ira community,” Olorunfemi said.
The session also addressed the growing concern of online violence and the risks faced by women and young people in digital spaces.
Lekan Otufodunrin, founder and convener of Journalists for Christ, said the organization supports initiatives that promote safer spaces for women and encourage survivors to share their experiences.
“We believe in supporting conversations that promote safer spaces for women, especially on gender-based violence. Creating safe communities where survivors can share experiences allows others to learn and understand what is happening around them,” Otufodunrin said.
He added that community dialogue is essential in addressing social issues and ensuring collective action toward solutions.
Blessing Oladunjoye, Executive Director of BO Foundation for Inclusive Media, highlighted the increasing cases of online abuse and urged parents and guardians to guide their children on responsible digital behavior.
She explained that online violence affecting teenagers and adolescents includes cyberbullying, harassment, doxxing, cyberstalking and other forms of digital abuse.
Oladunjoye noted that while access to digital literacy resources remains limited for many families, simple conversations at home can help young people understand the consequences of harmful online behavior.
“There is a need for parents to counsel their children about online violence and how to navigate digital spaces responsibly,” she said.
Gloria Matthew, Project Manager of Glorious Hearts Foundation Nigeria, encouraged the women to recognize their value and importance in society while also guiding their children with positive values.
She advised women not to remain silent in abusive situations and to seek help when facing domestic violence.
“Women should understand that they have a voice and the right to speak up. No one should silence them. They must always stand up for their dignity, safety and well-being,” Matthew said.
Matthew also stressed the importance of protecting children from abuse and creating a supportive environment for families.
Participants at the event made a collective pledge to support one another, promote awareness about gender-based violence and contribute to building safer communities for women and girls.
The organizers said data gathered from the conversation would help track the prevalence of physical and digital violence in the Ogba axis and guide future advocacy efforts.
Rhoda Serene Care Foundation is a Lagos-based non-governmental organization that focuses on mental health awareness, girls’ rights and community welfare through grassroots interventions and advocacy.
The foundation appreciated the support of a community mobilizer in Oke-Ira who helped connect the team with women in the community during the outreach.