The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) Chapter, has joined the United Nations’ global “Orange the World” campaign aimed at ending violence against women and girls. The event, held on Tuesday 9th December, 2025 at the College of Science Education (COSED) Conference Room, Oto/Ijanikin Main Campus, marked the 2025 UNESCO–OWSD global initiative with the theme: “To Stop Violence Against Women and Girls: Spot It, Stop It — Ending Violence Before It Starts.”
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of OWSD LASUED Chapter and representative of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Margaret Aderonke Oginini, who stood in for the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, said the university is proud to join the global community in amplifying the call to end all forms of violence against women and girls.
According to her, “Orange LASUED! Orange the World!” is not just a slogan but a bold declaration and a collective affirmation that violence has no place in homes, campuses, workplaces, or society at large. She emphasized that the campaign calls for both awareness and action.
“As a university community, LASUED is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive environment. Violence against women and girls threatens not only individual lives but the very foundation of peace, productivity and progress. Whether physical, emotional, psychological or digital, violence is unacceptable,” she said.
Prof. Oginini urged students, staff, policymakers and the wider society to work together to identify warning signs of abuse, call out harmful behaviours, challenge destructive cultural norms and support survivors with empathy and courage.
The guest speaker, Dr. Mustapha Toyin Sanbe, a clinical health psychologist, stressed the severe impact of violence on women and girls, noting that psychological trauma often outlasts physical injuries.
“Domestic violence is not something to take lightly. Physical injuries may heal, but psychological wounds can last a lifetime. No amount of medical intervention can completely erase psychological trauma. It affects a person’s thoughts, emotions and behaviour. Girls must learn to identify toxic relationships, spot it, stop it and end violence before it starts,” he added.
Also present was the special guest, Mrs. Morohunranti Olufolake Ajayi, past District Chairman of Inner Wheel District 911 and a retired midwife, who encouraged women to learn, unlearn, relearn and remain aware of the signs of violence so they can seek help promptly.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Yekini Funmilayo Taiwo appreciating participants and reiterating LASUED’s commitment to the global fight against gender-based violence.
