ABUJA – The House of Representatives has urged the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify public awareness campaigns on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of 2015.
The call aims to educate citizens across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) about the provisions and protections offered by the legislation.
The also directed the Ministry of Budget and National Planning to increase funding for the Ministry of Women Affairs to establish shelter homes for survivors of violence.
These shelters will provide essential care and support to those in need.
Additionally, the House urged State Houses of Assembly to prioritize the domestication and implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015, by pushing for relevant motions within their respective legislatures
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara during plenary on Thursday.
In her presentation, she said that the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, marked annually on November 25, serves as a global reminder of the pressing need to eradicate all forms of violence against women.
According to Ogbara, violence against women is a pervasive violation of human rights that affects millions of women and girls around the world, manifesting in physical, sexual, and psychological harm.
She noted that the United Nations has identified the elimination of violence against women as a critical component of achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
She expressed worries that systemic discrimination, cultural norms, and societal attitudes contribute to the perpetration of violence against women, necessitating comprehensive strategies for prevention and response.
“Also informed that it is crucial to raise awareness about the various forms of violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, trafficking, and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriage;
“Important that support services for survivors of violence, such as legal aid, counselling, and shelter must be strengthened and made accessible to all women in need;
“Whereas, education and community engagement are essential in changing societal attitudes and promoting respect for women’s rights”, she added.
The House adopted the motion and mandate the Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development to establish mechanisms to monitor progress on the effectiveness of the VAPP Act (2015).
Ogbara, who serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, has expressed deep concern over the persistent issue of violence against women and girls, highlighting that it often goes unreported due to factors such as impunity, societal silence, stigma, and shame.
She stressed that violence against women remains a significant barrier to achieving gender equality, sustainable development, peace, and the full realization of the human rights of women and girls.
“The commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of leaving no one behind cannot be achieved without decisive action to end violence against women and girls,” Ogbara stated.
“It is crucial to raise awareness about the various forms of violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, trafficking, and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriage.
Additionally, it is vital to strengthen and ensure access to support services for survivors of violence, including legal aid, counseling, and shelters, to meet the needs of all women affected.
Education and community engagement are key to shifting societal attitudes and fostering respect for women’s rights, she emphasized.
The House has adopted the motion and mandated the Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development to establish mechanisms for monitoring the progress and effectiveness of the VAPP Act (2015).”
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