16 Days of Activism: WARDC Urges govt commitment to VAPP Act implementation
The Women Advocate Research and Documentation Center, (WARDC), has called on government at all levels to ensure strict implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, (VAPP) Act to prevent cases of Sexual and Gender Based Violence, (SGBV).
Founder and Executive Director of WARDC, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-afolabi, made the call in a communiqué in Abuja.
She noted that the implementation of VAPP Laws across Nigeria alongside resources investment, is a sign of political will to curb root causes of SGBV.
Dr. Akiyode-afolabi points that “The 16 Days of Activism, spanning from November 25th to December 10th, symbolizes a collective call to action against one of the most pervasive violations of human rights; gender-based violence.
“This year’s theme underscores the imperative to invest in proactive measures that can effectively prevent violence directed at women and girls.
“WARDC recognizes the importance of fostering a world where every woman and girl can live free from fear, intimidation, and violence. Through our unwavering commitment to advocacy, Legal aid, research and documentation, we strive to shed light on the intricate dynamics of gender-based violence, providing valuable insights that inform policies and interventions.”
Also tasking stakeholders to raise the bar in the prevention of the scourge, she said “Investing in prevention means addressing root causes, dismantling harmful stereotypes, and empowering individuals and communities to actively reject violence.
“By supporting education, advocacy, and awareness initiatives, we contribute to the creation of a society where equality is not just an ideal but a lived reality.
“During these 16 Days of Activism, WARDC will engage in a series of events, webinars, and awareness campaigns to amplify the message of unity against gender-based violence. We invite the community, stakeholders, and partners to join hands with us in this collective endeavor to build a world where every woman and girl can thrive without the fear of violence.
“Together, let us UNiTE and invest in a future where the rights and dignity of women and girls are upheld, and gender-based violence becomes an intolerable relic of the past.”
