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From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
Women Advocates and Research Documentation Centre (WARDC) and Care International have called for increased funding and collaboration to mitigate Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the country.
The stakeholders made the call in Abuja at press conference on building consensus on Violence Against Person Prohibition Act strengthening and ensuring Accountability on Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).
The Acting Executive Director of WARDC, Emmanuelle Azu in her presentation said that if 0.5 percent of the total national tax is allocated to gender based violence, it will demonstrate government’s commitment to eradicating the crime in the country.
Azu lamented that most women faced with these challenges see it as normal way of life.
“We call for increased funding for implementation and demand at least 0.5% from the total national tax, for improved awareness-raising campaigns, and stronger enforcement mechanisms- Ensuring consistent funding for prevention of SGBV, and adequate response to GBV issues; will address issues of capacity for legal, medical, and psychosocial support services for victims.
“We believe that adequate funding and sustained advocacy are crucial in achieving a violence-free society for all and will translate to an improvement in the economic and social development of the nation.
We demand a public hearing on the VAPP Repeal Bill by the National Assembly to enable stakeholders to present opinion that will support a more robust VAPP Act
She further called for continuous engagement with stakeholders, including civil society, law enforcement, and the judiciary, adding that it is crucial to ensure that the VAPP Act 2015 reflects the needs of all relevant parties.
On her part, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi is the Convener WOMANIFESTO said that much has not been achieved in the fight against GBV due to lack of funding.
Dr Akiyode-Afolabi added that categorisation should removed in the law,as some offences should not attract fines but sentences.
