A-DAY WORKSHOP ON ADVOCACY AGAINST GENDER- BASED VIOLENCE AND AWARENESS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST PERSONS PROHIBITION (VAPP) LAW

Organized by: Women’s Health and Action Research Centre (WHARC) in
Collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Theme: Youth Mobilizing Against Gender-Based Violence
Date and Time: 29th November 2024, 10:00 AM
Venue: WHARC Events Hall, KM 11 Lagos-Benin Expressway, Igue-Theya, Benin
City, Edo State.
OBJECTIVE OF THE WORKSHOP
1. To understand Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and its impact on individuals
and society.
2. To raise awareness of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP)
law, especially among youths.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENT
1. Registration and Opening Session:
– Participants arrived and registered for the workshop.
– Speakers and dignitaries were welcomed.
– Welcome Address: Delivered by Dr. Wilson Imongan, who emphasized the
importance of youth engagement in the fight against GBV.
2. Presentations and Discussions
A. Understanding GBV: Forms and Impact on Society
Speaker:Prof. Friday Okonofua
– Highlighted the provisions of the Child Rights Act, which protects children
under 18, and the VAPP Law, which safeguards individuals (male and female)
from all forms of violence.
– Encouraged participants to speak up and report GBV cases to appropriate
authorities.
B. GBV and Youth Advocacy: Why Youth Voices Matter
Speaker: Mrs. Mary Izevbigie
– Emphasized that one in three women globally experiences GBV, highlighting the
need for awareness among youths.
Discussed the various forms of GBV:
– Sexual violence
– Intimate partner violence
– Physical abuse
– Child marriage
– Emotional abuse
– Female genital mutilation (FGM)
– Stressed that youths, as role models and influencers, can drive conversations
and action against GBV in their communities.
C. Exploring the VAPP Law: Overview and Relevance to Youths
Speaker:Prof. Nath Inegbedion
– Provided a detailed explanation of the VAPP Law, which prohibits all forms of
violence and offers justice and support for victims. Key points included:
– Offenses: Defined activities prohibited under the law.
– Custodian Punishments: Jail terms for perpetrators.
– Non-Custodian Punishments: Community service as a penalty.
– Specific offenses and punishments under the law:
– Rape (gender-neutral definition): Life imprisonment.
– Prohibition of FGM: Strict penalties.
– Forceful eviction of a spouse: 3 years imprisonment.
– Deprivation of liberty, forced financial dependence,
emotional/verbal/psychological abuse, and harmful widowhood practices are
punishable.
3. Activities and Interactive Sessions
A. UNFPA Video Presentation
– A short video by the UNFPA on the impact of GBV and advocacy strategies was
shared.
B. Myth/Fact Game
– Participants debunked common myths about GBV in a fun, interactive Q&A
format led by the MC.
C. Quiz on GBV and VAPP Law
– Hosted using Quiz.com, testing participants’ knowledge on the workshop
content.
– **Cash prizes** were awarded to the top three participants.
D. Word Puzzle Game
– Two rounds of the game were conducted, where participants identified words
related to GBV within 10 seconds:
– First round:19 participants played, with 9 receiving cash prizes.
– Second round:14 participants played, with 6 receiving cash prizes.
E. Guessing Game
– Seven participants played, with winners awarded cash prizes.
F. Dancing Competition
– Six students participated, with the top three awarded cash prizes.
Closing Session
Closing Remarks:
Delivered by Dr. Wilson Imongan, who thanked the participants, speakers, and
organizers. He emphasized the importance of sustained efforts in combating GBV
and leveraging the VAPP law to ensure justice.
– The event ended with a dance session.
Conclusion
The workshop successfully achieved its objectives of raising awareness about
GBV and the VAPP Law, equipping youths with knowledge and advocacy tools to
address GBV in their communities. Participants actively engaged in discussions,
games, and activities, fostering a strong commitment to the fight against gender-based violence