…rejects defilement clause in bill
…urges govt to increase funding for implementation

By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center (WARDC) in partnership with CARE International have called for urgent measures to strengthen and fully implement the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015.

The Founding Director of WARDC, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, said this during a press briefing held on Wednesday, in Abuja.

The VAPP Act, designed to tackle physical, sexual, economic, and psychological violence, has been hailed as a significant step in protecting women and girls, who are disproportionately affected.

However, stakeholders has expressed concerns about persistent gaps in its implementation, weak enforcement mechanisms, and inadequate funding.

While highlighting the need for a stronger political commitment to address these challenges, Abiola called for the allocation of at least 0.5% of national tax revenue to enhance legal aid, provide shelters, and conduct public awareness campaigns.

“While the Act has made progress in addressing gender-based violence, its full potential is undermined by poor funding and limited infrastructure,” she said.

The organizations stressed the importance of closing implementation gaps, ensuring stronger penalties for offenders, and improving support systems for survivors to fully realize the objectives of the VAPP Act.

Their demands in parts, “We call for increased funding for implementation and we demand at least 0.5% from the total national tax, for improved awareness-raising campaigns, and stronger enforcement mechanisms- Ensuring consistent funding for prevention of SGBV, and adequate response to GBV issues; will address issues of capacity for legal, medical, and psychosocial support services for victims.

“It will demonstrate government’s commitment to eradicating GBV and supporting victims. We believe that adequate funding and sustained advocacy are crucial in achieving a violence-free society for all and will translate to an improvement in the economic and social development of the nation.

“There is a great need for an inclusive allocation criterion that prioritize gender equity in all areas and sectors of the nation.

“We demand a public hearing on the VAPP Repeal Bill by the National Assembly to enable stakeholders to present opinion that will support a more robust VAPP Act.

“We call for continuous engagement with stakeholders, including civil society, law enforcement, and the judiciary, it is crucial to ensure that the VAPP Act 2015 reflects the needs of all relevant parties. Strengthening the VAPP Act 2015 and addressing its implementation challenges through necessary amendments can create a more just and equitable society for all”, she said.

Acting Executive Director, WARDC, Emmanuella Azu, stressed the need for stricter prison terms instead of fines for severe offenses, saying, “Sentencing will serve as a better deterrence.”

Azu noted that WARDC supports the proposals for a survivor support fund, removal of derogatory language, and clearer definitions of crimes like rape but opposed new provisions on defilement, warning they could cause harm.

“We urge an open and transparent process for any amendments,” Azu said.

Azu further emphasized the need for provisions addressing emerging forms of violence and improved coordination between law enforcement and support services.