The Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has urged legislators at all levels to intensify the crusade against gender-based violence. He emphasized the need for the adoption and implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act by states that are yet to do so in order to urgently bridge the legislative gap on issues of gender violence.
Hon. Kalu made the call during the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, themed: ‘Funding and Oversight for VAPP Implementation: A Parliamentary Response to Gender-Based Violence’ in Abuja.
Organized by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Phase 11) Programme in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, the event aimed to address critical issues affecting women and girls.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Kalu decried the surge in violence against women, attributing it to the lockdown measures in 2020 and the accompanying economic challenges, which made it even more difficult for survivors, resulting in an estimated 3,600 cases nationwide. He stressed the importance of collective efforts in addressing the issue.
“Parliamentarians have a crucial role to play in championing the cause of women and girls, advocating for comprehensive legislative frameworks that address the multifaceted challenges posed by gender-based violence. This summit aims to inspire parliamentarians to not only engage in insightful conversations but also to emerge as champions of change, driving legislative reforms that protect the rights and dignity of women and girls across the nation,” said Hon. Kalu.
Highlighting the unique role of Parliamentarians, he emphasized their responsibility to legislate, allocate funds, and hold the executive branch accountable for the implementation of laws and policies that prevent and address gender-based violence. He urged them to ensure sufficient resources are allocated to support survivors, raise awareness, and provide training and capacity building for law enforcement agencies and judicial systems.
Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of parliamentary oversight in monitoring the implementation of existing laws, identifying gaps, and proposing necessary amendments to strengthen the legal framework. Hon. Kalu also called for the establishment of specialized committees or task forces dedicated to gender-based violence, to consistently keep these issues on the parliamentary agenda and monitor progress on an ongoing basis.
Calling for renewed commitment of parliamentarians to the effective implementation of the VAPP Act, he emphasized its proactive role in addressing the issue of gender-based violence.
