Under the #PassVAPPAct project, we have led efforts to pass and implement the Violence Against Persons Prohibition law (VAPP Law).
We just added another impactful training and community sensitisation programme with the support of the African Women’s Development Fund.
In an impactful workshop held on October 11th and 12th, 2023, at the Crispam Hotel and Suites in Plateau State, 55 participants from 29 diverse organisations deepened their understanding of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.
The event birthed collaboration and knowledge sharing among state and non-state actors with the common goal of supporting survivors and ending all forms of sexual and gender-based violence through the VAPP law.
Stakeholders such as the Attorney General of Plateau State, represented by Mrs. Kaneng Dauda, emphasised the revolutionary nature of the VAPP Law, covering diverse forms of violence and providing a legal framework for protection.
In the same vein, the Special Adviser on Sexual and Gender Issues, via the First Lady’s Office, Mrs. Olivia Dazyem echoed the workshop’s significance in combating gender-based violence, advocating for a united effort to create a safer society.
The training, which lasted over two days, was facilitated by Dr. Samuel Oguche. He kickstarted the first day with a session on the challenges of SGBV, distinguishing between sex and gender, exploring human rights, and discussing harmful practices. He also fully explored the fundamentals of the Plateau State VAPP Law, highlighting key provisions, challenges and recommendations for improvement in the State.
Participants engaged in a post-evaluation, sharing insights and experiences.
Day 2 focused on capacity-building workshops, commencing with a recap and learning objectives. The Commissioner of Women’s Affairs, Mrs. Caroline Pangiang, expressed support for the workshop, highlighting the critical role of the VAPP Law. Distribution of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials followed.
Dr. Samuel Oguche led discussions on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), investigation, and prosecution of SGBV cases. The Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) shed light on the Nigeria Police Force’s role in tackling sexual violence.
Participants closed out the training with discussions on evidence preservation, challenges in traditional case settlements, the need for meticulous investigation and prosecution and reflections on the importance of synergy among stakeholders.
On the third and final day, we held a community sensitisation program at RMC Primary School aimed at educating and raising awareness about the VAPP Law among community members.
The three-day workshop and community sensitisation program marked a significant step towards creating a society free from violence, with empowered individuals ready to champion the cause and ultimately led to the formation of the technical working group made up of civil society actors, government officials and well as religious and cultural leaders.
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