PROMOTING WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND SAFETY: GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TRAINED TO RESPOND TO WOMEN AID COLLECTIVE (WACOL)

By Bernadette Nwakile

A comprehensive training program has been launched to equip Government officials, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and respond effectively to cases of violence and harmful practices. The program also focuses on promoting Women and Girls’ sexual, reproductive health and rights.

The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of Government officials and MDAs to develop and implement policies and programs that address VAWG and harmful practices. Participants will gain deeper understanding of the root causes of violence Against Women and Girls and the importance of promoting gender equality and human rights.

The Capacity Building Workshop, organized by Women Aid Collective (WACOL), was held on September 22 at Don Ritz Hotel, Udoka Housing Estate

The lecture was tilted “Strengthening the Capacity of Government officials and MDAs to adopt strategic Action to prevent violence Against Women and Girls’ and effectively respond to VAWG/HP including Women and Girls’ SRHR through the implementation of relevant Extant Laws on GBV/VAWG”.

Declaring the workshop open, the Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udenze represented by Hon. Mimi Ifeoma Ikpeazu, thanked Women Aid Collective and Ford Foundation concerning this very important workshop.

He acknowledged His Excellency, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Governor of Anambra State, whose administration has consistently demonstrated commitment to protecting the rights of women and girls as well as advancing gender equality.

Also Speaking, he said that Anambra State House of Assembly is committed to strengthening laws that protect women, girls and other vulnerable groups, adding that passing laws is not enough but ensuring enforcement, monitoring and accountability.
Delivering the lecture on connotations of Violence Against Women, Barr. Victor Obichukwu, one of the resource persons said, “Violence against women and children is not just a legal issue, it is a moral and cultural challenge. Every woman and child deserves to grow in a safe, dignified, healthy and lovely family environment.

“As custodian of culture in the communities, traditional rulers play a pivotal role in protecting women and children and shaping a society where every woman and every child can strive. He discussed extensively on violence against women, Gender, Patriarchy and Violence, types and forms of violence against Women, and harmful diseases ( HIV/AIDs, STDs).

Earlier in his lecture, he explained prosecuting cases of Violence Against Women/Girls including role prosecutor, role of Public Prosecutors from the Ministry of Justice, and role of other agencies in preventing VAWG.

Contributing, another resource person, Barr. Christian Okechukwu Ekweh, highlights existing Laws and policies on Violence Against Women, saying that VAWG is a recurring event in our contemporary society that has attracted wide attention both by national, regional and international community, noting that Nigeria women face barrier to full equality, empowerment and advancement because of patriarchy, socialization, disability and socio- economic status, including their living condition, both women and children face various forms of abuse physically , emotionaly, sexually, verbally and neglect.

“Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) 1999 Section 1 (3) makes provision for the Supremacy of the Constitution Section 42 (1) prohibits any form of discrimination on gender, circumstances of birth race and color; these two provisions of the constitution are the very foundation on which every other enactment in support is built upon.

Barr. Ekweh also said that Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP) 2015 criminalizes various forms of gender-based violence including rape, domestic violence and harmful practice, citing the main thrust of National Gender Policy is to promote gender and social inclusion (2006) sensitive and responsive culture in policy, planning and national development.

Highlights of the event were group photograph, administration of post test questionnaire and group work.

Bernadette is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State