NGO raises awareness on SGBV regulations at grassroots level

The AISH Initiative, a non-governmental organisation has called for better public awareness and sensitization of laws governing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) at the grassroots level.

The organization’s deputy director, Mr Amuche Okoro, made the appeal at a one-day sensitization campaign in Karu village in the FCT.

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According to Okoro, lack of grassroots understanding of provisions of legislation such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015 and the Child Rights Act, 2003 has resulted in an upsurge in SGBV cases.

Representing the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Principal Community Development Officer, Mr Nwabueze Emeka, urged every home to guard against child abuse, saying it fosters SGBV in society.

He noted that abuse, criticism, and threats expose youngsters to a variety of problems, and urged parents to be cautious while dealing with their children.

He also urged parents and guardians to protect their children and wards from sexual abuse, which often leads to depression and violence.

The NGO’s Executive Director, Mrs Helen Nwoko, said SGBV eradication in Nigeria had been hampered by a combination of legal concerns, including the government’s apparent refusal to accept some international human rights agreements.