Maryam Aminu
The Malala Fund along with its partners, has called on the Nigerian government to reject the proposed repeal of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.
Enacted in 2015, this landmark legislation provides critical protections against gender-based violence (GBV) and ensures the safety, empowerment, and education of girls across Nigeria.
The VAPP Act is a significant achievement in Nigeria’s fight against GBV, criminalizing various forms of abuse, including domestic violence, rape, female genital mutilation, and child marriage.
The Advocacy groups warn that repealing the Act could have severe consequences for girls’ education, potentially increasing dropout rates and creating more hostile learning environments.
“Repealing the VAPP Act would not only undermine efforts to protect Nigerian women and girls from violence but also threaten their right to education,” said Nabila Aguele, Chief Executive of Malala Fund Nigeria.
“When girls feel safe, they are more likely to attend school and reach their full potential. We cannot afford to take a step back in the fight for gender equality. We urge the Senate to amend and strengthen the Act, rather than repeal it.” She added
While recognizing that the VAPP Act may require revisions to ensure clarity and inclusivity, Malala Fund and its partners advocate for amendments rather than a complete repeal.
“Introducing new provisions, such as attempted rape and defilement, is commendable. However, repealing the entire Act could have far-reaching repercussions,” said Bukky Shonibare, Executive Director of Invictus Africa.
“The VAPP Act, passed after years of effort, has now been adopted by 35 of the 36 states in Nigeria. Let us build on this progress by amending and properly implementing the Act rather than repealing it.” said Shonibare
Advocates also call for better implementation of the VAPP Act to support GBV survivors effectively.
“Enacting and implementing legal protections against gender-based violence is critical for ensuring girls have access to education, stay in school, and complete their education,” said Toyin Chukwudozie, Executive Director of Education as a Vaccine.
“Repealing the VAPP Act will jeopardize this fundamental right for all girls nationwide, particularly in states where the Act has already been adopted. It is unnecessary and undermines the efforts of everyone who fought for its passage.”
Malala Fund and its partners reiterated their commitment to ensuring 12 years of free education for all Nigerian children.
The VAPP Act is a crucial component of this effort, and the coalition will continue advocating for its preservation and effective implementation.
The coalition called on the Senate to reject the repeal of the VAPP Act.
They further urged the Senate to amend the VAPP Act to ensure clear, inclusive language that protects all individuals, particularly women and girls.
The statement was signed by Hamzat Lawal of Connected Development (CODE), Rotimi Olawale of YouthhubAfrica, Frances Okeke of Sustainable Collective Advocacy for Africa Development Initiative, Benjamin John of Unique Care and Support Foundation (CASFOD)
Others include Hassana Shuaibu of ACE Charity, Sani Muhammad of Bridge Connect Africa Initiative, Pamela Okoroigwe of The Inclusion Project (TIP), Abubakar Muazu of Center For Advocacy, Transparency and Accountability Initiative (CATAI), Gideon Olanrewaju of AREAi, Toyin Chukwudozie of Education as a Vaccine, Sola Fagorusi of Onelife Initiative and Bukky Shonibare of Invictus Africa
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