By Joy Baba – Yesufu
As part of activities marking the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) has called for enhanced funding to strengthen GBV prevention, awareness campaigns, and survivor support systems.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja organized in collaboration with CARE International, WARDC’s Executive Director, (ED) Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, emphasized that increased funding would bolster the capacity of legal, medical, and psychosocial support services for GBV survivors. “This would not only demonstrate the government’s commitment to eradicating GBV but also improve the economic and social well-being of the nation,” she said.
Akiyode-Afolabi proposed allocating of at least 0.5% of national tax revenue to GBV prevention and response efforts stressing the need for an inclusive funding allocation criterion that prioritizes gender equity across all sectors.
She also called for public hearing on VAPP Repeal Bill to allow stakeholders to contribute towards strengthening the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act 2015), enhanced collaboration and continuous engagement with civil society, law enforcement, and the judiciary to ensure the Act reflects the needs of all stakeholders.
The ED further said that Legislative Amendments is a necessary revision at this point to address implementation challenges and strengthen penalties for violations.
WARDC Acting Director, Emmanuella Azu, highlighted that while the VAPP Act offers comprehensive protection against violence, gaps in its implementation have hindered its effectiveness noting that inadequate synergy among stakeholders, slow judicial processes, and insufficient support structures tailored to survivors’ needs.
Azu advocated for stricter penalties, removal of fine options for severe crimes, and alignment of fines with current economic realities to deter offenders effectively.
She urged the removal of derogatory expressions such as “mentally retarded” in Section 28 of the Act, recommending more respectful language.
WARDC and CARE International proposed establishing a dedicated Support Fund to provide survivors with financial, medical, and psychological aid.
