By Iyakale Yakubu
Jos (Nigeria) — A group in North Central Nigeria is seeking the domestication of a law to protect women and girls from various forms of abuses. Key issues the law will address include wife battery, harmful widowhood practices, harmful traditional practices and rape amongst others.
‘Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law’ which the group is promoting in Plateau State, was adopted by Nigeria last year – it provides a legal framework for eliminating violence against vulnerable persons.
The law also prohibits harmful traditional practices, economic abuse, and provides maximum protection and effective remedy for victims of violence, as well as punishment for offenders.
Team Leader of Coalition of Civil Societies in Plateau State, Shamaki Peter said “This will reduce violence against vulnerable persons, prosecute defaulters and instil a tolerant society, where peace and progress is obtainable.” He told media executives in Jos.
He said the law when domesticated will provide girls and women access to education and economic prowess which battering, rape and other forms of violence will jeopardise.
In a remark, Manager Unity FM Jos, Larai Baba, said the organisation will ensure time is allotted at least once a week in propagating the importance of the VAPP law domestication in Plateau State.
She noted that women in rural communities were most affected because they do not know their rights, hence the media station will amplify cases of violence against women to ensure policy makers understand the need for its domestication.
Also speaking, the Manager, Highland FM Jos, Henrietta Ibrahim, said women play complementary role to men in the society, and so, should not be discriminated against.
“Women have evolved in the society not only by playing complementary roles to men in the society, but in their productivity in various endeavours .
“No gender is better than the other, even in the Holy books, women should be treated with respect and should be given opportunities like their male counterparts to be themselves and thrive in their various fields.”
Ibrahim said the media is always ready to partner civil society organisations in ensuring violence is totally eradicated in communities, especially against women.
“We are ready to partner with you for enlightenment on the implication of violence against vulnerable persons. Am happy to mention that we have a programme called ‘women to women’ in our station.
“This is aimed at ensuring violence is eliminated against women and girls in the society,” she explained.
