As part of activities marking this year’s International Women’s Day, stakeholders from Nigeria and Brazil gathered at the instance of the Brazilian Consulate in Lagos to address issues surrounding gender-based violence (GBV) and its cross-border implications.
The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, set the tone by stressing that GBV can never be considered a private matter. According to her, even when such acts occur behind closed doors, they demand public concern, accountability, and action. She called for an end to victim-blaming and harmful cultural norms, urging individuals to speak up so that authorities can intervene effectively.
A key takeaway from the symposium was that Nigeria and Brazil are not only connected diplomatically but also by a growing transnational challenge, human trafficking, particularly involving women trafficked for sexual exploitation. This reality elevated the urgency of discussions beyond national boundaries.
The Acting Consul-General of Brazil in Lagos, Celso De Arruda França, aligned the event with the United Nations 2026 theme, “Rights, Justice and Action for All Women and Girls.” He explained that “rights” involve establishing laws that guarantee equality, “justice” ensures access to remedies when those rights are violated, and “action” requires practical steps to enforce real change.
Drawing from DSVA data, Vivour-Adeniyi revealed that the agency supported 7,976 survivors in the past year, with women accounting for 73 percent. She clarified that the increase reflects improved awareness and reporting rather than a rise in violence itself. She also traced GBV to deep-rooted cultural and historical practices while noting that some traditional systems, such as certain pre-colonial Igbo practices, once provided protective mechanisms against abuse.
She highlighted significant judicial progress, referencing landmark Supreme Court rulings that have challenged discriminatory norms and strengthened women’s rights, particularly in inheritance and protection against harmful practices. She also described Lagos State’s legal framework as proactive, with laws that prioritise prevention, enforce restraining orders, and impose strict penalties including life imprisonment for serious sexual offences.
The police perspective was provided by ACP Oluwatoyin Kazeem, who outlined law enforcement’s role in prevention, investigation, arrest, and prosecution of GBV-related crimes. She emphasised that while the police play a critical role in gathering and presenting evidence, only the courts have the authority to impose punishment. She also warned that improperly obtained evidence could weaken otherwise strong cases.
Public health consultant Dr. Ololade Oloyede expanded the conversation by addressing the physical and psychological toll of GBV. She underscored the importance of self-care across spiritual, mental, social, physical, and emotional dimensions, noting that burnout is a growing concern among women. Her message was clear: self-care is essential for resilience and overall well-being.
Legal practitioner Barrister Efuronke Koku emphasised the importance of breaking silence, noting that speaking out is often the first and most critical step for survivors to access support and justice. She also called for engagement with traditional leaders to reshape cultural attitudes and promote human rights.
The second session, focused on the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), introduced a strong bilateral perspective. Brazilian officials highlighted the shared responsibility of both countries in tackling the international trafficking of women. Adriana de Araújo Correia of the Brazilian Federal Police described human trafficking as a transnational crime that requires coordinated global action, particularly through intelligence sharing and joint enforcement strategies.
She also referenced new frameworks such as the Vulnerable Protocol, which promotes collaboration among law enforcement, NGOs, and judicial institutions to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and ensure safe repatriation.
Dandara de Souza Araújo, International Adviser to Brazil’s Ministry of Women, reflected on outcomes from CSW 2026, noting a historic moment when the commission’s Agreed Conclusions were adopted through a vote rather than consensus. She highlighted Brazil’s priorities, including access to justice, economic empowerment for women of African descent, and tackling digital violence—an emerging threat in the age of social media.
The event concluded with a cultural session celebrating women in the arts and a reception at the Brazilian Consulate residence, blending reflection with celebration. Overall, the symposium reinforced a shared commitment by Nigeria and Brazil to confront GBV and human trafficking through stronger collaboration, policy reform, and sustained advocacy.
