Malala Fund And Advocates Call On Nigerian Government To Safeguard VAPP Act

Malala Fund And Advocates Call On Nigerian Government To Safeguard VAPP Act

The Malala Fund, in collaboration with key advocacy groups such as Connected Development (CODE) and YouthhubAfrica, has called on the Nigerian government to protect the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act from potential repeal.

This crucial legislation, established in 2015, provides vital protections against gender-based violence (GBV) and supports the safety, empowerment, and education of girls throughout Nigeria.

The VAPP Act marks a significant advancement in Nigeria’s fight against GBV, criminalizing various abuses including domestic violence, rape, female genital mutilation, and child marriage.

Nabila Aguele, Chief Executive of Malala Fund Nigeria, emphasized:

“Repealing the VAPP Act would undermine efforts to safeguard Nigerian women and girls from violence and jeopardize their right to education. Safe girls are more likely to attend school and achieve their full potential. We cannot afford to regress in our pursuit of gender equality. We urge the Senate to amend and strengthen the Act, rather than repeal it.”

Hamzat Lawal, Founder of Connected Development (CODE), shared similar concerns:

“The VAPP Act is a cornerstone in the battle against gender-based violence in Nigeria. Repealing it would reverse the progress made in protecting women and girls. The Act, adopted by 35 of Nigeria’s 36 states, is essential for safeguarding the rights of women and girls. Instead of dismantling these protections, we should focus on refining and enhancing the Act.”

Lawal also highlighted the importance of legislative improvements over repeal:

“While the Act may require updates to address specific issues, complete repeal is alarming. Our focus should be on strengthening and effectively implementing the Act, ensuring that survivors of GBV continue to receive necessary protection and support.”

Bukky Shonibare, Executive Director of Invictus Africa, supported this view:

“The VAPP Act, a product of years of advocacy, is now adopted in 35 out of 36 states. We should build on this progress by amending and properly implementing the Act rather than repealing it.”

Toyin Chukwudozie, Executive Director of Education as a Vaccine, added:

“Legal protections against gender-based violence are crucial for ensuring that girls have access to education and can remain in school. Repealing the VAPP Act would jeopardize this fundamental right nationwide, especially in states where the Act has been adopted. It undermines the efforts of those who fought for its passage.”

The Malala Fund and its partners urge the Nigerian Senate to reject the repeal and focus on amending the Act to include inclusive language that protects all individuals, particularly women and girls.

Other supporters of the statement include Benjamin John of Unique Care and Support Foundation (CASFOD), Hassana Shuaibu of ACE Charity, and Sani Muhammad of Bridge Connect Africa Initiative, among others.