Participants at the recently concluded training of trainers on implementation of national action plans on gender-based violence have advocated for the establishment of adult literacy, youth friendly, skills acquisition and women empowerment centres across states of the federation.
The training of trainers on implementation of national action plans on sexual and gender based violence (SGBV), violence against women and girls (VAWG), harmful practices (HP) and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for Women’s Rights Groups and CSOs in the focal states of Adamawa,Federal Capital Territory and Sokoto states was convened by Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) with the support of European Union-United Nations Spotlight Initiative and held in Abuja.
In the communiqué signed by the Lead Director of Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) Barrister Eze Onyekpere, participants resolved to deploy other resources including information, technology and ecological resources for the eradication of SGBV/VAWG/HP and promotion of SRHR, etc.
“CSOs and women’s groups should get involved with the official agencies on data gathering and processing on SGBV/VAWG/HP and SRHR.
“Engage in advocacy for adoption in the focal states of Adamawa and Sokoto of the Child Rights Act, establishment by law of the Sexual and Gender Based Violence Response Teams and enact specific laws prohibiting domestic violence.
“Take up the promise of the Body of Attorney Generals of the 19 Northern states to adopt VAPP across all the states in the region through legislative advocacy and engagement of the executive in the states of Adamawa and Sokoto.
“Tackle the challenges of child/early marriage, teenage pregnancy and VVF through the enforcement of the universal basic education requirement for all girls to be in school until 18. Sensitisation and engagement of religious leaders on the provisions of the Penal Codes of Adamawa and Sokoto States on the age of marriage and consent to marriage as anyone below the age of 18 is deemed to be a child by law. This can be done through media advocacy, litigation and other forms of advocacy.
“To engage the budget of the Ministries of Women Affairs, Education, Health, Justice, Agriculture, Information, Budget and Planning, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, etc in 2021 and subsequent years. And to ensure that expenditure proposals are realistic and in tandem with revenue sources which will lead to budgets being fully funded.
“Women’s groups, CSOs and the media should encourage MDAs through recognition of very well performing MDAs,” the communiqué stated.
