We are collaborating with CSOs, media, security agencies on GBV – Niger govt

Niger State Government has revealed that it is prepared to collaborate with civil society organizations, media and security agencies in tackling the menace of gender-based violence, especially with a robust legal, policy and institutional framework in place in the state.

The Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Niger State Ministry for Women Affairs, Mary Yisa, stated this in an interview in Minna on the Sexual Exploitation And Sexual Abuse/Sexual Harassments (SEAH) in the state.

Recall that two weeks ago, the state government had declared that any person who batters his or her spouse is liable to conviction to a term of three years imprisonment with an option of N200,000 as a fine.

Mrs Yisa revealed that the legal, policy and institutional frameworks for curbing GBV include the Violence Against Person Prohibited Law and Child Rights Act, penal code, section 34 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The prevention and response to risks of SEAH will require intensive and multi-layered efforts bringing together many sectors including Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) such as health facilities, and SEAH service providers.

Advertisement

The Director of Planning, Research and Statistics of the ministry also said currently concerted efforts that include community awareness and education, capacity building for project staff in SEAH and employment of SEAH experts are already in place.

She said, “We are adequately resourcing the SEAH function in the project and enlisting the supplementary support of other SEAH Prevention and Response actors such as health providers, CSOs, Community-based Organizations (CBOs), and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).”

“We appeal to you to help us modify it so that husbands that rape their wives get charged with lesser offences, including indecent assault with a mere maximum punishment of 3 years imprisonment.

Mrs Jiya further stated that since 2015, the once exclusive definition and punishment of rape has changed owing to a new law enacted by the National Assembly, titled; the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015.

She added that under this law, rape is an intentional penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth of any person with any part of the body or anything and without the consent of the person being penetrated.