The Stand To End Rape Initiative (STER), in partnership with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has embarked on a significant educational campaign to inform residents of Cross River State about the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law. This initiative took the form of a two-day workshop and community outreach program, supported by the African Women Development Fund, held from October 2 to 4, 2024, in Calabar, the state capital. The primary objective of this initiative is to sensitize the local population to the provisions of the VAPP Law and encourage them to report incidents of gender-based violence to the relevant authorities, thereby fostering a more informed and supportive community.
The workshop was designed to engage a variety of stakeholders, including governmental and non-governmental organizations such as the National Orientation Agency, the Ministry of Justice, the Nigeria Police Force, and various local community leaders and advocacy groups. This collaborative approach recognizes the multifaceted nature of gender-based violence and the importance of a coordinated response from diverse sectors of society. Participants were educated about the benefits of the VAPP Law, the drawbacks of traditional approaches to case management regarding gender-based violence, and effective communication strategies to ensure widespread awareness of their rights. This holistic engagement is crucial for ensuring that both men and women understand the importance of the law and the protections it offers.
Dr. Mercy Kwabe, Co-Director of STER, underscored the organization’s commitment to promoting gender equality and eradicating sexual and gender-based violence throughout Nigeria. She emphasized the need for innovative interventions aimed at changing societal attitudes towards these issues while supporting the implementation of the VAPP Law. The organization aims to create an environment where women and girls can exercise their rights without fear of violence or discrimination. Kwabe stated that instilling accountability among stakeholders is essential for the law’s effectiveness and that her organization will continue advocating for the rights of all individuals, particularly those most vulnerable to violence.
The progress made in Cross River State concerning gender-based issues was acknowledged by Jacob Oba, the Head of Operations at NAPTIP’s Cross River State Command. He highlighted ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and called for collaboration among agencies to enhance the fight against such crimes. Oba reassured participants that the VAPP Law has been effectively implemented and that numerous cases are currently being processed by the relevant authorities. His remarks underline the importance of a concerted effort among different entities to tackle gender-based violence and related challenges.
John Asanye, the Deputy Director of the National Orientation Agency in Cross River State, reported that the VAPP Law has reached awareness even at the grassroots level across all 18 Local Government Areas. He noted that the law has been distributed in schools and other establishments to ensure that young people are informed about its provisions. This proactive approach to education and awareness is fundamental to creating a culture that recognizes and addresses issues of gender-based violence. By disseminating this information, the agency helps build a foundation for future advocacy and support initiatives.
The outreach initiative garnered positive feedback from community leaders, including Youth President Nseobong Uma from Ikot Awatim in Calabar, who praised STER for their efforts to educate the community about the VAPP Law and its implications. Uma reflected on how the program has helped young people understand the serious nature of rape and the importance of reporting such incidents. His comments underscore the critical role of community engagement in combating gender-based violence and the necessity of empowering individuals to take action when faced with such challenges. The initiative served not just as an educational forum but also as a catalyst for a collective movement towards reporting and addressing instances of gender-based violence effectively within Cross River State.
