NAWOJ CALLS FOR AGGRESSIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF LAWS PROTECTING WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE

Reporter : PAMELA IGWE

The South-East zone of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has joined in canvassing proper implementation of violence related laws on protection of women in the country.

NAWOJ Vice President in charge of South East Zone, Comrade Stella Igboka, made the call in commemoration of the 2020 International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women.

In a statement, Comrade Igboka, made a strong case for proper implementation of VAPP laws already domesticated, the Child’s Rights laws and other related laws in order to ensure proper justice for victims and punish perpetrators to serve as deterrent to others.

She rolled out NAWOJ programmes for the campaign.

These includes advocacy, road shows, speak up and virtual campaigns, which she hopes will make more impact.

Comrade Igboka further highlighted some forms of gender based violence, including child marriage, trafficking for sex and slavery.

Others were intimate partner violence, physical punishment, sexual, emotional and psychological violence like rape, which she said had been on the increase.

Comrade Igboka added that NAWOJ as an association would, through its advocacies and sensitization, continually ensure that victims of abuses and violence attacks were given the required platform to get justice.

The NAWOJ Vice President Zone C also stressed the need for proper funding of Non-governmental bodies in order to sensitize people to their fundamental human rights, as well as calling for global action to bridge funding gaps and ensure essential services for survivals of these violence.

She also called on NAWOJ Chairpersons in South East Zone, comprising Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Imo and Anambra States to join in the on-going global campaign to ensure proper sensitization of Women against violence in their states.