By Amos Tauna
Northeast Coordinator of Women Situation Room Nigeria, WSRN, Philomena Henry has led other women to take part in SIT-OUT campaign against the recent defilement and death of a 14 years old girl.
Briefing newsmen in Kaduna, she said defilement of the girl child necessitated a simultaneous SIT-OUT on the 3rd of August, 2017 across 9 States, namely Lagos, Imo, Enugu, Kaduna, Benue, Gombe, Rivers , Delta and Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja from 8.30 – 11am.
Mrs. Henry explained that there is a Law against rape and defilement at the federal level -VAPP Act.
“In Lagos State the law stipulates life imprisonment or jail not less than 14 years with adequate financial compensation – YET culture of silence and shame, religious interferences and official inaction has interfered with the justice system! We are calling on the government to do something against this!
“Rape or defilement has far reaching consequences to the survivor and victim’s family .
“The issue of rape or defilement has become a cause for concern with its increase and an obvious lack of persecution of rapists and defilers.
“We call on all to support this SIT-OUT action. Black on black symbolizes pain, hurt and grief of the violation of babies and children and women.
“This Sit out is organized by Women Situation Room Nigeria, a Program of WILPF Nigeria in partnership with Alliance Against Domestic Violence and Abuse, AADVA.
“AADVA is made up of various NGO’s and Citizens Citizens – spearheaded by ACTS Generation who believes more is achieved with ONE VOICE,” she exclaimed.
News Editor