By Ololade Ajayi
In its commitment to address gender-based violence and gender inequalities, the DOHS Cares Foundation has deployed digital solutions through an initiative tagged #ChampionHer in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The initiative which was implemented on The 1st of April 2023, in line with the theme of the 2023 International Women’s Day:DigitALL: Innovations and Technology For Gender Equality, featured training on business financing and up-scaling, using technology and social media, a sensitisation session on gender-based violence and a Cervical Cancer awareness and screening exercise,
Speaking at the event, Chief Operating Officer of the DOHS Cares Foundation, Ololade Ajayi explained that #ChampionHer initiative is aimed at eradicating the factors that make women vulnerable and susceptible to socio-economic violence, hence bridging the digital gap on gender inequality and championing women into a digital future, free of violence.
A panel session was held and members of the panels are: Ms. Adeola Eka a Digital Tech guru, Mr Fred Haruna, a business and finance coach, Ms Rhoda Olorunfemi, an advocate for women’s empowerment and Pastor Amaka Edwin, a serial entrepreneur.
A beneficiary, Mrs Olajide Lilian, disclosed her enthusiasm about the programme, stating her readiness to employ the lessons acquired about business financing and up-scaling via social media into her Start Up enterprise.
A free cervical cancer screening exercise was then conducted to tackle cervical cancer among women who have no access to such healthcare.
The participants were sensitised about the disease and the benefits of early detection and treatment. Participants who tested positive for HPV have hitherto begun treatment at the general hospital.
Ajayi, who is also the convener of the event further explained that the #ChampionHer initiative will be repeated in several local governments in Lagos state and called for collaborators and support in order to ensure its success.
