By Justina Auta
The National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), has begun a nationwide campaign to upscale advocacy against rape, sexual and Gender-Based Violence Against Women and Girls (SGBVAWG).
Lami Adamu-Lau, the National President, NCWS said this at a news conference as part of activities lined up to mark the 16 days of activism to end VAWG.
The theme, of this year’ is, “Unite! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”
Adamu-Lau said violence against women was deeply rooted in gender inequality.
According to her, this calls for the need to support women inclusion, and push for the elimination of all forms of violence against women/girls. through education, mobilisation and empowerment.
“Collectively, we can do more to show solidarity to women in distress and survivors of GBV.
“Nigerian women are concerned about the growing insecurity challenges which increases the number of women and girls in distress and vulnerable to abuse.
“We challenge oppressive practices and human rights violation.
”We demand improved respect for the human rights of women and girls; and the advancement of gender equality in Nigeria,” she said.
According to her, the council as at April, 2022 received mostly from Internally Displaced Persons Camps (IDPs), 137 reported cases of rape and GBV, out of which 43 cases were under prosecution.
She said that at the end of the 16 days of activism, Nigerian women would come out with a communiqué that would outline practical actions toward achieving a nation with zero tolerance for GBV.
Also speaking, the Bauchi state President of NCWS, Shafa’u Ladan stressed the need for people to be familiar with the VAPP Acts, which would further enlighten them on their human rights and protect them from all forms of violence.
Other highlights include the sensitisation on the provisions of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) ACT, as it relates with the various forms of rape and GBV.
