General News
THE National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), has called for concerted efforts by stakeholders to end violence against women in Nigeria.
Mrs Geraldine Ita-Etuk, the Acting National President of NCWS made the call on Wednesday during a community sensitisation on Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.
The sensitisation focused on strengthening institutions to combat Gender Based Violence (GBV) through Community-Based Advocacy on the VAPP law and legal framework for the protection of the rights of the girl-child.
The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the programme was organised by NCWS in support of International Council of Women (ICW).
Ita-Etuk said that the advocacy and sensitisation programme was aimed at educating the women on Gender Based Violence.
‘This campaign will help to popularise the simplified VAPP Act. We shall leverage existing institutions, social networks, and community based organisations/groups to disseminate informatio, and thus contribute to ending GBV in Nasarawa State.
“There is nothing that can be given as excuse for violence against women and other people in the society,” she said.
She lauded the support, commitment and partnership of the International Council of Women (ICW) in the quest to eradicate GBV in Nigeria.
“Gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue in Nigeria, affecting millions of women and girls. GBV in all its forms are critical issues facing women and girls in society,” she said.
She said that despite the existence of the VAPP and other existing legal provisions, most women still remain unaware of their human and legal rights.
Ita-Etuk said: “As an organisation, NCWS is committed to creating safer communities in a just and egalitarian society where the human rights of women, girls and the vulnerable are respected and protected.
“GBV is a known social reality, therefore we are not here today to dwell on the problems; rather we are here to find solutions.
” Through this campaign, we will engage with community leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to create awareness on the provisions of the VAPP law, and how it can be used to protect the rights of women and girls.
“At the end of the programme implementation, we would
have achieved communities where women and girls become fully aware of their legal rights and could engage to challenge all forms of traditional and institutional practices.
” We will also provide technical support to institutions responsible for implementing the VAPP law and other legal frameworks.”
The NCWS acting National President appreciated Hajiya Silifat Abdullahi Sule, Wife of Nasarawa State governor for her tireless efforts and interventions in combating GBV in the state.
” Her Excellency’s commitment to creating a safe environment for women and girls is truly commendable,” she said.
She urged all participants to actively engage in the discussions, share their experiences and learn from one another, saying “together, we can create a Nigeria where women and girls are valued, respected, and protected.”
In her remarks, Mrs Sule, wife of the governor, said that Nasarawa State government state had put measures in place to deal those that violate the rights of women, girls and other people in the state.
Sule, represented by Hajiya Aisha Rufai, the State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs, also called on women and other stakeholders to support government to fight violence against women in the state.
Also speaking, Hajiya Hashiya Ahmed, ICW Advisor, stressed the need for stakeholders’ collaboration to end violence against women in the society.
Earlier, Mrs Mary Meshi, President, NCWS, Nasarawa State, appreciated the National President of the societies for choosing the state for the programme.
She assured of the state chapter’s readiness to sensitise women and other Nigerians on violence against women.
NAN reports that the acting National President of NCWS and her entourage earlier paid a traditional homage on the Chun Mada, Mr Samson Gamu Yare where she presented the VAPP Act to the first class traditional ruler as the custodian of the people’s culture and peace.
Responding, the Chun Mada appreciated NCWS for the visit and assured of his commitment to advocate and sensitise his people on GBV and VAPP Act.
NAN also reports that Barr Rabiatu Addra, Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nasarawa State, presented an Overview on VAPP Act, Overview, Provisions and Implementation Challenges
Mrs Allu Justina Alkali, Director Public Defender presented a paper on the Role of Community Advocacy in Combating GBV.(NAN)
9th October, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: Geraldine Ita-Etuk National Council for Women Societies
