A’Ibom First Lady under the Gender Based Violence Management Committee of the State with Support from UNFPA has translated the VAPP law into four local languages to aid in the fight Against Gender Based Violence.
Commendations have poured in for the wife of Akwa Ibom state governor, Her Excellency Dr. Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel, from the Danish Government and UNFPA for her vociferous advocacy against sexual and gender based violence and as well the prosecution of offenders of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition VAPP law in the state.
The Government of Denmark through its Ambassador in Nigeria, Mr. Sune Krogstrup and the United Nations Population Fund representative in Nigeria, Ms Ulla Mueller, gave the commendations during the official unveiling of the translated VAPP Law 2022 in indigenous dialects of Ibibio, Annang, Ekid and Oro at the Government House, Uyo.
“Denmark is currently the global lead on the call to action and protection which is all about ending gender based violence. I am impressed to see the progressive work you have done in salvaging women and children who are the most vulnerable in this area,” Ambassador Krogstrup said.
Speaking further, the visiting duo urged all to abide by the VAPP law which according to them promotes body autonomy for women and as well provide justice for women who have been battered.
Responding, the wife of the governor, Her Excellency Dr. Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel, thanked the Danish government and UNFPA for their consistent partnership with the state government in addressing issues of gender mutilation and violence against women in the state.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Multilateral and Donor Agencies, Mr. Nana Udom in his welcoming speech, said the state government has enjoyed immense support from the UNFPA and the government of Denmark in the area of gender and sexual productive work, saying with the launch of the VAPP law in the local languages, more grounds would be covered as the language barrier has been broken.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the State Gender Based Management Violence Committee, Barr. Emem Ette in her detailed presentation highlighted the many interventions of the committee and stated that through the support of UNFPA many advocacy and enlightenment programmes have been held in the state which has helped break the culture of silence.
Acquaint yourself with knowledge as ignorance of the law is not an excuse.
After a careful read through the VAPP law and here’s a brief.
Offenses Consequences
👉🏻Rape. Life imprisonment
👉🏻physical injury. 5years imprisonment
👉🏻Coercion. 3years imprisonment
👂Bum/breast touchers. 2years imprisonment
Get a copy and carefully read through it.
