The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Friday called for the need to make Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law more stronger in the effort to end gender based violence (GBV).

They made the remark in Abakaliki during a road-walk to mark the 2022 16 Days of Activism and public presentation of Amended VAPP Law No 003 of 2022 to eliminate GBV in Ebonyi.

The event with theme, “UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls” was organised by state ministry of women affairs and socal development with support from UNFPA and other partners in the state.

Mr Benedict Essong, UNFPA Representative in the state, said that doing justice to the victims would go a long way in checkmating the menace not only in the state but Nigeria at large.

Essong expressed satisfaction that the amended provisons of the law would enhance justice delivery, prohibit all forms of violence and human rights violations.

"From UNFPA, we are proud to be part of the state programmes. We appreciate GBV stakeholders, civil society, youths organisations among other partners for being part of the progress," Essong said.

Mrs Rachael Umahi, Wife of the Governor, said the essence of the amended law was to ensure sustainable and workable implementation.

Umahi represented by Mrs Patience Offor, her Special Assistant on Welfare Matters, said the theme was apt and urged partners to collaborate to ensure that the law was made effective.

She described it as an achievement that would assist the judiciary to persecute offenders and give justice to victims.

Umahi added that when the law becomes effective, it would empower women to speak out and break the culture of silence in reporting GBV cases.

She enlightened the public on the negative consequences of gender-based violence, rape and other acts of domestic abuse, as well as the need for the victims to speak out for possible assistance.

"Women, girls and other victims of violence should assist report activities of violence around them to get help.

"We wish the law to be sustained to ensure people rights are not violated. If you do that, you will enternalise our passion," Umahi said.

Mr Chukwuma Elom, Coordinator of the Foundation, read out key features of the amended VAPP law to include, section 10, which stated that High and Magistrate courts of the state would have jurisdiction to hear and grant applications.



Elom said, section 14 amrended, stated that GBV court established, was for the purpose of hearing and determining matters on gender based offences.


He said section 20,stated that wife of the governor, who is facilitator of GBV programme in the state, should appoint, GBV committee, taskforce, implementation team to supervise and monitor implementation of activities.


He said that section 21, stated that victims and survivors was entitled to receive free medicare and adequate medical investigation in any government health centre.


"Still in section 21, it also read that it an offence to charge on this and fine of N 200,000 or imprisonment for three months or both, if found wanting.


"And section 23, read that state government shall make budget provisions to fight GBV annually," Elom said.


Mrs Deborah Okah, Commissioner for women affairs appreciated Mrs Umahi for championing the VAPP law and it enhancement with her pet project, Family Succour and Upliftment Foundation.

Okah who was represented by Mrs Florence Nwali, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, commended the UNFPA for their support since 2009.

She also commended other donor agencies for their various supports so far to eliminate all forms of violent against women and girls in the state.

She promised that all efforts by partners would record success.

The event featured public presentation of the amended VAPP law by Mrs Umahi to GBV state actors for effective implementation.

The programme also witnessed, presence of all Implementing Partners (IP) to include, the World Health Organisation, USAID, NAWOJ, ministry of justice, persons with disabilities and NAPTIP.


Others include the police, Nigeria Red Cross Society among other IPs


The road walk had inscriptions such as, "you can help by speaking up : GBV is punishable by the law, FGM, rape is a crime end it now!, among others.