GMAA-K: Canada Supports CODE on campaign against gender based violence

Considering the high prevalence of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria, Civil Society Organisation, Connected Development (CODE), with support from Canadian High Commission has launched the second phase of Galvanizing Mass Action Against Gender-based violence in Kano (GMAA-K) campaign.

Addressing Journalists during the launch on Tuesday in Abuja, Chief Executive of CODE, Hamza Lawal said the project is aimed at developing a multi-year Kano State Action Plan to end all forms of gender-based violence as well as drive the adoption and integration of the Violence Against Person Prohibition (VAPP) Act and the Child’s Right Act.

Kano State government had opted to harmonize the VAPP Act provisions into the Penal Code Law during the course of the first phase of the project early this year.

According to CODE Chief Executive, the organization is adopting this unique approach in direct response to the menace of SGBV which is currently a common practice in many states in the country.

“Nigeria has the third highest rates of SGBV in the world, with data showing that at least 30 percent of women and girls aged between 15 and 49 have experienced one or multiple forms of sexual abuse.

“These numbers are a representation of deep-rooted gender discrimination and a notorious culture of impunity – where access to justice and support remains a challenge for victims and perpetrators often walk free. The challenge is further heightened by a lack of laws and policies to protect the most vulnerable and punish convicted offenders.

“For the first quarter of this year, we worked towards the adoption of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in Kano and recorded success as the government opted to harmonize/incorporate the VAPP Act provisions into the Penal Code Law, in order to reconcile provisions and have a single comprehensive law that addresses SGBV; the legal document is pending validation and enactment by the Kano state House of Assembly” he added.

He also stated that the new phase of the project will propel the validation exercise of the VAPP and Penal Code Law and equally work towards enhancing women’s rights in Nigeria.

Speaking on the domestication of the VAPP Act, Hamza said his organisation will work with the Nigerian Governor’s Forum to ensure that perpetrators of sexual violence are identified and prosecuted anywhere in the country.

Also speaking, the Acting Canadian High Commissioner, Kevin Tokar who noted that the campaign is timely and necessary said the collaboration key to eliminate all forms of sexual based violence.

He said “It’s a crisis in Nigeria that we must condemn and work together to eliminate. For the past few years, we’ve seen a number of states in Nigeria pass and start to implement the VAPP Act which has given us hope but not all states have achieved this important milestone and much more work is needed, which is where our partnership with CODE comes into play.

“With Canada’s support, CODE will continue to galvanize mass action against SGBV in Kano State by ensuring the passage of the VAPP and Child’s Rights Act” he noted.

Speaking on the health implication of SGBV, Public Health Advocate, Dr Halimah Nuhu Sanda said victims of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) are left traumatized with not enough support provided for them.

She said the pschological impact of SGBV cannot be overemphasized as it often affects the mental health of victims.

She however stressed the need for interventions that will address this crisis.