By; SANI ALIYU, Zaria
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Zaria Branch has advocated for a robust collaboration with key stakeholders to end gender based violence in work places and institutions.
Dr. Lateefat Bello, Chairperson, FIDA Zaria Branch made the appeal during a one-day workshop on VAPP Law of Kaduna State (2018) and Maputo Protocol in Zaria at the weekend.
She said the workshop is to shape the minds of the key stakeholders on the application Violence against Person Prohibition (VAPP) law to tame sexual and gender based violence in our communities.
Bello added that the workshop to see more implementation of the law by the security agencies on the use of the law to protect cases of gender abuses reported at their offices.
According to her, FIDA would strengthen its advocacy and awareness programmes on the law towards enhancing the application of the law at the grassroots.
In her remarks, the Secretary, FIDA Kaduna State Branch, Mrs. Olufunke Bamikole said there should be a tremendous change in the application of the law.
She noted that the participants were drawn from the prosecution, bar, bench and civil society organizations.
The FIDA Secretary advised the prosecutors to use the VAPP on prosecuting issues that relates to sexual and gender based violence.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Eugenia Akpa, Coordinator, Gender Policy Unit, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, noted that the VAPP Law was excellent but the challenge was implementation.
The coordinator called for more political will on the implementation of the law lamenting that there were conviction without execution.
She added execution of judgment for offenders would go a long way in addressing the challenges stressing that beside execution of judgment naming and shaming could also make a difference for minor offences.
She also appealed to key stakeholders for more empowerment initiatives to women and other vulnerable groups in the society.
Delivering a lecture on VAPP Law, Barrister Bukola Ajuo Chairperson, Society Coalition Against Sexual and Human Right Abuse has advised for intensive awareness campaign on the VAPP Law.
She said, if awareness campaign succeeded more prosecutions, Judgements and implementation will be done immediately.
The human rights activist advised prosecution to make use of VAPP Law on any violence against person for justice to take place.
Bukola said the use of Penal Code laws is giving offenders some liberty, while the VAPP Law is taking directly to the offense committed.
