Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, urged legislators across all levels of government to intensify efforts in combatting gender-based violence. He specifically called for the swift adoption and implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act by states that had not yet done so, emphasizing the need to urgently bridge the legislative gap on gender violence issues.
Hon. Kalu made these remarks during the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, focusing on the theme “Funding and Oversight for VAPP Implementation: A Parliamentary Response to Gender-Based Violence.” The event was organized by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Phase II Programme in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative.
Expressing concern over the alarming increase in violence against women, the Deputy Speaker highlighted the challenges faced by survivors during the 2020 lockdown and economic difficulties, which contributed to an estimated 3,600 cases nationwide.
He emphasized the collective responsibility to address this issue, stating, “Parliamentarians have a crucial role to play in championing the cause of women and girls, advocating for comprehensive legislative frameworks that address the multifaceted challenges posed by gender-based violence.”
The summit’s objective, as outlined by Hon. Kalu, is to inspire parliamentarians to not only engage in insightful conversations but also to emerge as champions of change. He stressed the importance of driving legislative reforms that protect the rights and dignity of women and girls across the nation.
“As Parliamentarians, we have the unique role to legislate, allocate funds, and hold the executive branch accountable for the implementation of laws and policies that prevent and address gender-based violence,” he remarked. “We must utilize this power to its fullest extent, ensuring that sufficient resources are allocated to support survivors, raise awareness, and provide the necessary training and capacity building for law enforcement agencies and judicial systems.”
Hon. Kalu underlined the crucial role of parliamentary oversight in monitoring the implementation of existing laws, identifying gaps, and proposing necessary amendments to strengthen the legal framework. He advocated for the establishment of specialized committees or task forces dedicated to gender-based violence, ensuring that these issues remain consistently on the parliamentary agenda with progress monitored regularly.
In conclusion, the Deputy Speaker called for a renewed commitment from parliamentarians to the effective implementation of the VAPP Act, emphasizing its proactive role in addressing the pervasive issue of gender-based violence.