WRAPA engages CSOs, agencies, others against violence

The Women Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) has engaged civil society organizations and critical government agencies to advance knowledge towards achieving the right implementation strategies fight gender-based violence.

Plateau State Governor, Barr Simon Bako Lalong recently signed into law the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act to strengthen the fight against gender based violence.

Senior Programme Officer, WRAPA, Mallam Mohammed Ibrahim observed that it has become a thing of worry that despite all the social and political commitment to promote women’s rights, gender based violence is on the increase; noting that WRAPA has worked with government to end all forms of violence perpetrated against women in our society.

Deputy Director in the Ministry of Justice, Barr Lyop Rwang took time to educate participants on the various sections of the new law and the punishment that goes with breaking the the law observed that it seeks to eliminate all forms of violence against women.

Barr Rwang advocated that it was expedient for all relevant agencies to develop action plans for the implementation of the law as well as Sexual Response Centers as captured in the law.

As for the Gender Opportunity Law (GEO), Barr Lyop Reang appealed to the government for the speedy establishment of the Gender Commission as enshrined in the law.

Participants who spoke variously to SUNDAY STANDARD noted that it was an opportunity to hold people accountable and who have violated with levity women, children and sometimes men.

They expressed gratitude that the state can be proud to have a legal framework to execute the fight against gender based violence.

The two day workshop was held at Le Monde Hotel, Jos.