‘Implementing VAPP, child protection laws in Northwest key to freedom from violence’

Implementing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) and child protection laws in the Northwest, would enhance women and girls’ rights to equality and freedom from violence, Dr Fatima Akilu, Executive Director of Neem Foundation, has said.

She said this Wednesday in Abuja at a stakeholder forum to review access and response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Northwest Nigeria.

The event was organized by Neem Foundation, with the support of Ford Foundation.

“The VAPP and Child Protection Laws in the states obligate them to take responsibility for responding to violence against women and girls. Implementing and adopting these Laws is a strong foundation for women and girls’ rights to equality and freedom from violence. However, these documents remain inoperative and unenforceable if not properly implemented in the states that have adopted them.

“That we are sitting here today discussing these issues means we still have a long way to go. We are here today to recognise that enhanced coordination and strategic partnerships can bridge the difference between despair and hope in a person who has experienced violence due to their sex or gender,” Akilu said.

Sokoto State Commissioner of the Ministry for Women and Children Affairs, Hajiya Kulu Abdullahi Sifawa, said: “Sokoto State has experienced 1,192 cases of gender-based violence since the Nanan Khadija Sexual Assault Referral Centre opened its doors in May 2020 with a total of 779 females and 413 males out of which 618 are females aged below 18 years while 388 are males that are minors. In the year 2022 alone, we witnessed 476 cases of gender-based violence of which 85% are against women and girls.”