Lagos sets new standards for safe shelters
….introduces SOP for women, girls’ shelters
By Olatonmiwa Osho
The Lagos State Government has introduced a standard operating procedure for safe shelters to strengthen the protection and welfare of women and girls fleeing abuse and other vulnerable situations.
The Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation presented the approved guidelines to shelter operators during a policy review meeting in Ikeja.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, said the guidelines set common standards for shelter management, confidentiality, safeguarding, referrals, case management and accountability.
Dada said the ministry would periodically review the guidelines with stakeholders to ensure they remained responsive to the needs of women and girls.
She also announced plans for regular monitoring visits to shelters to assess compliance, identify challenges and provide necessary guidance.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, urged shelter operators to study the guidelines and incorporate their provisions into their daily operations.
Speaking on behalf of shelter owners, Mrs. Olayemi Akinyele of Grace Springs Shelter welcomed the initiative and commended the government for involving operators in developing the framework.
The state government said the initiative was designed to improve the quality of care and ensure that women and girls seeking refuge receive appropriate protection, support and other essential services.
