VAAP: Nasarawa Govt, ICW & NCWS Calls for More Action To Combat GBV

The Nasarawa State government has reiterated its resolve to tackle Gender- Based Violence (GBV) and is calling on victims to report cases of violence or Abuse.

This was made known on Wednesday in Akwanga by Nasarawa State first Lady Hajiya Salifat Sule who was represented by commissioner Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Aishatu Rufai at a one day sensitization to combat GBV and enlightenment on Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law 2015 act, for women drawn from the 13 LGAs under National council of women societies(NCWS) Nigeria.

Hajiya Salifat Sule added that with the VAPP law domesticated into law in 2021the state government have put measures to tackle violence and abuse if only victims step forward and avoid pulling out of a case in the name of “we have settled at home”.

“We are sometimes the problem when you see a victim who has been abused we try to take them to the hospital, our Lawyers get evidence, but along the line either the guardian or parent would say is someone that we know or someone In the community, please we want to withdraw the case. We have sensitized women and girls to go to the hospital whenever there is GBV and we provide free treatment for all cases of GBV and we also established a shelter for women which will soon be open and is located at Nasarawa housing estate…”she said

Acting National President National council of women societies(NCWS) NIGERIA, MRS GERALDINE ITA ETUK in her opening remark said the sensitization programme is aimed at enlighten women on the VAPP law which combat gender base violence. She also appreciated the Nasarawa State government and First Lady Hajiya Salifat Sule for efforts made In combating GVB and domesticating the VAPP law, along side the Internal Council of women (ICW) who have been a major supporter in combating GVB.

“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 program 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 and norms that support GBV, hence promoting safe communities where women and girls live free from violence and fear of GBV. We will also provide technical support to institutions responsible for implementing the VAPP Law and other legal frameworks.
I will not conclude without appreciating Her Excellency, Hajiya Silifat Abdullahi A. Sule,First Lady, Nasarawa State for her tireless efforts and interventions in combating Gender-based Violence (GBV) in Nasarawa State. Her Excellency’s commitment to creating a safe environment for women and girls is truly commendable”.
Mrs Geraldine added

Hajiya Hashiya Ahmed, Internal Council of women (ICW) Advisor who doubles as Secretary Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board, charged the women to pay close attention to the facilitators who gave a break down on tackling GBV and VAPP Act 2015.

Meanwhile, Mrs Mary Samuel mishi Nasarawa State President on part her charged the women from the 13 LGA of the association step down the knowledge gained, thereby appreciating the national body for picking Nasarawa State as the first state to lunch the simplified version of the VAPP Act 2015.

Highlight of National council of women societies(NCWS) sensitization tagged Instructional strengthening to combat GBV through community based advocacy and sensitization on the VAPP law and legal framework for the protection of the rights of the girl child was a visitation to Chun Mada Palace were he was presented with the VAPP Act 2015 simplified booklets and NCWS acting president decorated in Mada attire, presentation of mobile phone and Simplified VAPP Nasarawa State NCWS president to contact the national body about GBV and lectures on the VAPP Act and community roles in combating GVB.