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Women in Oke-Ira community, Ogba area of Lagos State, gathered for a community conversation on gender-based violence, mental health, and digital safety as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day.
The event, organised by Rhoda Serene Care Foundation in partnership with Arise for Girls, Journalists for Christ, BO Foundation for Inclusive Media (BOFIM) and Glorious Hearts Foundation Nigeria, created a safe platform for women and girls to share experiences and discuss challenges affecting their well-being.
The programme, themed “Her Voice, Her Power,” featured a “Circle Conversation” designed to encourage open dialogue on issues such as gender-based violence, female genital mutilation, mental health and technology-facilitated violence.
Founder of Rhoda Serene Care Foundation, Rhoda Olorunfemi, said the initiative was aimed at empowering women at the grassroots level and encouraging them to speak up against abuse.
According to her, the conversation was organised to shift the narrative from silence and victimhood to confidence and collective action.
“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,” she said.
The session also addressed the growing concern of online violence and the risks faced by women and young people in digital spaces.
Speaking during the event, Lekan Otufodunrin, founder and convener of Journalists for Christ, said the organisation 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,” he said.
Otufodunrin added that community dialogue is essential in addressing social issues and ensuring collective action toward solutions.
Also speaking, Blessing Oladunjoye, Executive Director of BO Foundation for Inclusive Media (BOFIM), highlighted the increasing cases of online abuse and urged parents and guardians to guide their children on responsible digital behaviour.
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 behaviour.
“There is a need for parents to counsel their children about online violence and how to navigate digital spaces responsibly,” she said.
Project Manager of Glorious Hearts Foundation Nigeria, Gloria Matthew, encouraged the women to recognise 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,” she said.
Matthew also stressed the importance of protecting children from abuse and creating a supportive environment for families.
Participants at the event also 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 organisers 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, a Lagos-based non-governmental organisation, focuses on mental health awareness, girls’ rights and community welfare through grassroots interventions and advocacy.
The foundation also appreciated the support of a community mobiliser in Oke-Ira who helped connect the team with women in the community during the outreach.
