An awareness walk was recently held by IHS Nigeria on gender-based violence on the streets of Lagos as part of activities to commemorate the global 16 days of activism to end the menace against women and girls.
A statement from the organisation revealed that employees of the company and others walked along Adeola Odeku and Idejo Streets on Victoria Island, Lagos to preach against the maltreating of females in society.
It was part of efforts by IHS Nigeria to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to a safe and dignified workplace, underscoring its ongoing efforts to sensitize the community, educate employees, strengthen internal safeguards, and reinforce its zero-tolerance policy for all forms of harassment and abuse.
The awareness walk saw both male and female staff members from across various departments marching in solidarity with survivors and advocates worldwide and served as a public declaration of IHS Nigeria’s commitment to building a culture rooted in respect, safety, and accountability.
Thereafter, participants moved to the headquarters of IHS Nigeria for a senimar organised to speak on the matter.
The Associate Director for Operations Excellence at IHS Nigeria, Ms Bukola Konkwo, noted that, “Violence does not discriminate, and neither should our compassion.”
“At IHS Nigeria, boldness is not just a value on paper, it is a call to action. We are intentional about ensuring every employee feels safe, respected, and empowered,” she added.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs Titiola Vivour-Adeniyi, said, “Gender-based violence is not a special-class problem. Anybody can be a victim.
“Our responsibility is to know the signs, protect one another, and intervene early. When we know better, we do better.”
She also encouraged organisations to prioritise consent education, confidential reporting, and background checks, practices IHS Nigeria has already integrated through its Safe Zone Committee, a confidential support system for staff.
On her part, a Victimologist and Gender Based Violence Advocate, Ms Nwanne Okafor, while discussing on the role of colleagues in recognizing and responding to abuse in the workplace, said, “Many victims don’t need you to fix their situation, they need your support, your sensitivity, and your discretion. Speak up when necessary. Silence gives violence permission.”
In her closing remarks, the Director for Sustainability at IHS Nigeria, Ms Titilope Oguntuga, said, “This conversation doesn’t end today. Now that we know better, we must all do better, by advocating, supporting, and actively contributing to a workplace free of violence in any form.”