AAN Lagos State Chapter Seeks Stronger Stakeholder Collaboration to Combat Gender-Based Violence
IKEJA, Lagos State, October 15, 2026
The Lagos State Chapter of the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) has called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, traditional leaders, youth groups and civil society organisations to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV), particularly against women and girls with albinism.
The call was made during a three-day capacity-building workshop held from October 13 to 15, 2026, at NERDC Hall, Ikeja, Lagos State, under AAN’s project, “Breaking the Silence: A Community-Led Response to Gender-Based Violence Against Women and Girls with Albinism.” The project is implemented by AAN with funding support from Fondation Pierre Fabre.
The workshop brought together stakeholders from Ikorodu and Alimosho Local Government Areas, including representatives of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), the Nigeria Police Force, healthcare providers, community leaders, youth representatives, and women and girls with albinism.
Participants explored GBV prevention, survivor protection, safe reporting, referral mechanisms and access to essential services. Discussions highlighted how stigma, discrimination, harmful stereotypes and fear of retaliation can prevent women and girls with albinism from reporting abuse and accessing justice and support.
The workshop recorded key outcomes, including improved stakeholder understanding of GBV, clearer identification of institutional responsibilities, agreement on priority community actions and commitments to strengthen referral pathways. Participants also collectively adopted a communiqué outlining follow-up actions, including community sensitisation, updated referral contacts, continued stakeholder engagement and progress reviews within three months.
AAN Lagos State Chapter emphasised the importance of survivor-centred services that protect confidentiality, respect dignity and ensure that survivors receive appropriate assistance without discrimination or victim-blaming. Stakeholders were encouraged to work together to improve coordination among health, security, legal, psychosocial and social welfare services.
The initiative seeks to strengthen community-led responses to GBV and promote safer, more inclusive environments where women and girls with albinism can exercise their rights, access essential services and participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their lives.
About the Project: Breaking the Silence is an AAN initiative running from August to November 2026, with funding support from Fondation Pierre Fabre, to strengthen GBV awareness, prevention, protection, stakeholder coordination and access to essential services for women and girls with albinism.
