Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
A coalition group advocating for the eradication of gender-based violence (GBV) has intensified calls for increased synergy towards implementation of the Violence Against persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law in Anambra State.
The VAPP law, enacted in 2019, aims to address gender-based violence and provide legal protection for victims by criminalising various forms of violence against individuals, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence.
The group, part of a Coalition of Civil Society Networks on AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, and other partners working on GBV issues, said effective implementation of the law will help reduce the escalating cases of GBV in the state.
During a meeting with the Deputy Coordinator for VAPP Law Committee in Anambra State, Barr Chukwudozie Ifiora, the State Advocacy Team (SAT) of the coalition stressed the importance of enforcing the law to enhance protection for women and girls affected by GBV and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
In a presentation, Mrs. Ifenyinwa Unachukwu, the team lead and Anambra State Coordinator of the TB Network, highlighted the various forms of gender-based violence (GBV) prevalent in the state, including domestic abuse, physical violence, rape, and early forced marriages.
She articulated the strategies that her team had devised to mitigate the prevalence of GBV, underscoring the importance of increased collaboration between the coalition and the VAPP committee to tackle the GBV challenge in the state.
Furthermore, Unachukwu advocated for government establishment of a VAPP Commission to supervise all GBV/GHR cases in Anambra. She emphasised the necessity for a central clearing house as numerous groups are currently providing GBV-related services independently, highlighting the VAPP Commission as an essential entity to facilitate coordination for all GBV/GHR cases in the state.
The State Programme Officer, Onyekachi Ololo, earlier highlighted that TB Network being the lead Network of the ATM Networks in the state is committed to fighting GBV/GHR cases in the state.
He added that the network has shown commitment through the support of the Global Fund’s GF/NACA/C19RM/CSS Intervention to engage Case Managers who have been deployed for active case finding of GBV/GHR issues in the state.
In response, Barr Ifiora welcomed the call for increased collaboration, emphasising the importance of partnerships in ensuring effective implementation of the VAPP law.
“The visit is timely. This courtesy visit will be able to add to the synergy and collaborations that we have been having especially now that sexual violence is on the increase in the society.”
He commended the efforts of the group and expressed readiness to work together to combat gender-based violence in Anambra State.
