Violence against women: Group canvasses new strategies

A group, Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP), has  called on state governments across the country to adopt new ways of curbing violence against women in the society.

Making the call yesterday in Abuja, the group said: “Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP) have commended government efforts in developing the National Action Plan (NAP) for the inclusion of women in the process of peace building, conflict resolution and management. Stressing that it will help address what happens to women during and after conflict; but attention now needs to move to operationalising it at the state level.”

A member of the group, Eleanor Nwadinobi , said it had concluded preparations to host a sensitisation seminar to mark the International Women’s Day (IWD).

According to her, the event, which will hold on March 6 2014, will bring together civil society organisations, human rights activists, women, peace and security (WPS) network members based in Abuja, as well as the Ministry of Women’s Affairs.

“It is also intended to help grow awareness on the contents of the National Action Plan (NAP),” she said.
The International Women’s Day (IWD) is marked on 8th March of every year.
“This year, civil society will gather to discuss ways to include women’s rights in conflict prevention and peace building efforts in Nigeria.

“If implemented, the NAP will prevent violence against women and girls, strengthen prosecution of perpetrators, ensure women fully participate in decision making and guarantee the needs and realities of women and  girls are addressed in peace building efforts.”

According to the NSRP, the exercise is a five-year programme aimed at supporting Nigerian stakeholders and institutions to manage conflicts non-violently and reduce the impact of violent conflict on the most vulnerable population.