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Alliances for Africa observe International Widows Day in solidarity with the Rights and Protection of Widows globally.

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PRESS STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

23/6/2023

 

Alliances for Africa observe 2023 International Widows Day in solidarity with the Rights and Protection of Widows globally.

 

Today, as the world observes International Widows Day, Alliances for Africa joins hands with individuals, organizations, and communities globally to raise awareness about the challenges faced by widows and advocate for their rights and empowerment. This annual day, celebrated on June 23rd, presents an opportunity to shed light on the plight of widows and work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society for them.

According to the United Nations Trust Fund on Ending Violence Against Women, widows, who number over 258 million worldwide, have historically been overlooked, unsupported, and marginalized in our societies. Nigeria alone is estimated to have approximately 15 million widows, with factors such as the rise of Covid-19, ethnic conflicts, terrorism, violence, and health issues exacerbating the prevalence of widowhood and leaving more than 80% of these women in vulnerable circumstances due to the loss of their partners.

International Widows Day serves as a platform to spotlight the daily challenges, struggles, and discrimination faced by widows. For instance, consider the story of Hanna, a young widow in her early forties, who faced unimaginable challenges following the death of her husband. Her husband was tragically murdered by a relative, and without her consent, the perpetrators hastily carried away his body for burial on the same day. As if that weren’t enough, she and her children were immediately driven out of the family house, disregarding their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Shockingly, this incident took place in 2021, highlighting the continued victimization of widows.

The harmful cultural practice of “Nkuchi Nwanyi,” which involves the forceful inheritance of a widow by her deceased husband’s brother, is another issue of concern. In the Akabor community of Oguta, Imo State, the vulnerable women who resist or refuse this unjust tradition not only face the hardships of being stripped of their role as farmers on communal land but also endure the absence of support and protection they desperately need at this stage in their lives. This form of disinheritance is compounded by the denial of their rightful position if their deceased husband was the first son in the family, further subjecting them to economic, emotional, and psychological violence.

Additionally, the harmful practice of stigmatization and isolation of widows persists in the Amaigbo community, Imo State. This age-old culture, for which the community cannot provide justification, isolates widows from the palace regardless of weather conditions. This appalling practice perpetuates stigmatization, denies the freedom of association, and represents a complete contradiction to the domesticated Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law in the state, which aims to protect the rights of women.

We cannot ignore the various other forms of economic insecurity, stereotypes, and barbaric traditional practices widows face on a daily basis, including the dehumanizing rituals of hair shaving, ritual cleansing, and the drinking or bathing with corpse water. These practices have severe consequences on widows and perpetuate discrimination, reinforce gender inequalities, and hinder the overall development of our communities. They are acts of violence against women.

As a feminist organization dedicated to protecting and promoting gender justice, equality, and human rights, Alliances for Africa acknowledges the urgent need to address the vulnerabilities faced by widows in our communities. We strive to safeguard and advance the rights of widows in Nigeria and beyond, working towards a world where they can live with dignity and autonomy.

Widowhood is an inherently challenging period for any woman, marked by the loss of a loved one and the subsequent adjustments to a new life. The additional burden imposed by society and harmful widowhood practices further intensifies their suffering and violates their fundamental human rights. With the support of the United Nations Trust Fund on Ending Violence Against Women, we firmly reject harmful widowhood practices in all regions.

We say NO to patriarchy, which perpetuates gender inequalities and restricts the rights and opportunities of women. We vehemently oppose harmful widowhood practices in Imo State, Nigeria, and worldwide, and call upon women to support one another and refuse to participate in or allow the dehumanization of widows. Today’s challenges may become our own tomorrow if we fail to challenge the status quo.

 

OUR DEMANDS:

On this 2023 International Women’s Day, we base our demands on the provisions of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law. According to Section 2, Subsection 17 (i) of the VAPP Law, every woman is entitled to the fundamental human rights guaranteed under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Thus, no harmful widowhood practices should be imposed on any woman.

Enforcement of the VAPP Law:

We call for the establishment of the Imo Agency for the Prohibition of Violence Against Persons, a regulatory body that will ensure the implementation of the VAPP Law. This agency will serve as a legal framework to promote and protect the rights of widows, ensuring that perpetrators of harmful practices against widows face the full consequences of the law.

Economic Empowerment:

We advocate for the creation of economic empowerment initiatives to provide widows with vocational training, skill development programs, and access to financial resources. By encouraging entrepreneurship and inclusive employment opportunities, we enable widows to support themselves and their families.

Social Support System:

We urge the promotion of a social support system that fosters inclusive communities, providing emotional support and social networks for widows. This includes raising awareness about widowhood-related issues, combating stigma, and promoting empathy and understanding within society. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of prioritizing the physical and mental health needs of widows by ensuring access to healthcare services, counseling, and support groups. Gender-sensitive healthcare policies should be promoted to address the unique challenges faced by widows.

Alliances for Africa remains resolute and committed to raising awareness through educational campaigns and engaging in dialogues that challenge societal norms and stereotypes associated with widowhood. We stand in solidarity with women everywhere.

Alliances for Africa is an African-led international non-governmental organization dedicated to human rights, peace, and sustainable development. Working with partners across Africa and beyond, we advocate for the protection of human rights, promote women’s participation in leadership and governance, build institutional capacity, advocate for gender justice, equality, and non-discrimination, and promote peace, security, and conflict resolution interventions.

 

Ms. Iheoma Obibi

Executive Director

Alliances for Africa

World Bank, Owerri, Imo State

Website: www.alliancesforafrica.org

Hiring Opportunity for a Feminist Research Organisation in Nigeria

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Press Statement

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For immediate release.

9th June, 2023

Refutation of Misinformation Regarding the VAPP Law

Press Statement

For immediate release.

9/6/2023

 

Subject: Refutation of Misinformation Regarding the VAPP Law

 

 

Our attention has been drawn to an Interview granted by Dr. Philip Njemanze, Chairman of the Global Prolife Alliance (GPA), published on page 9 of the Nigerian Horn newspaper Vol. 16, No. 138 Friday 9th June 2023 captioned  “Imo VAPP law legalizes abortion, bans Holy Bible, ordains female Priests, crowns women Ezes” also on The Sun newspaper of Friday, June 9, 2023 captioned “VAPP Law legalizes abortion, same-sex marriage, bans holy books –Njemanze”.

 

We, the undersigned, hereby issue this press statement to refute the baseless and misleading claims made by Academician Dr. Philip Njemanze, Chairman of the Global Prolife Alliance (GPA), regarding the Imo Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law 2021. We would like to clarify that his statements are not grounded in factual evidence and are gross misinterpretation of the provisions outlined in the VAPP Law.

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) has been an astronomical increase  in Nigeria and   Imo state.  Daily cases of domestic violence, incest, defilement, rape, baby buying and selling, child trafficking, child marriage, and emotional, psychological, and economic violence. All are continually perpetrated against women and girls and people with disability without a clear law to protect and keep them safe in our environment, the only environment they inhabit.

According to  the https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/media/6696/file/16%20facts%20document.pdf

Almost one in three (31%) women aged 15- 49 have experienced physical violence in Nigeria,  1 in 4 girls, including very young ones, experience sexual violence, 1 in 6 girls are sexually abused, 86% of people presenting for medical attention due to sexual assault in health care facilities are women and girls, 2 in 3 women and girls experience violence by their husbands and boyfriends.  Nearly half of girls (43%) get married before their 18th birthday, while one in five girls is married by age 15. Unfortunately,  0.9% of perpetrators of sexual assault are brought to trial, and almost none of them are convicted.  What about people with disability? Outrageous data!

Recently, a young dwarf of about 18 years, less than 1 meter in height was raped by able-bodied men in a rural community in Imo State and is expected to walk back on the street as if no crime has been committed. The only stronghold such victims and potential victims hold on society for their continued safety and punishment of perpetrators lies in the 2021 VAPP Law.

What is the VAPP law? 

The 2021 VAPP law is a law that addresses violence against persons and its role is to protect individuals from various forms of violence, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, child abuse, and other related offenses. The law provides legal frameworks to prevent, prohibit, and punish acts of violence and provide support and protection for victims. The law also outlines punishment for perpetrators of violence against persons, which could male or female.

To understand the provisions and implications of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law in Imo State, please click the link https://alliancesforafrica.org/imo-state-violence-against-persons-prohibition-law-2021-vapp-law/

Addressing the issues Raised

Legalization of Abortion:  First, the word abortion was neither mentioned anywhere in the 2021 VAPP law signed into law nor was it legalised. Abortion remains illegal in Nigeria, and the VAPP Law does not change or override existing laws. It is essential to rely on accurate legal information rather than misleading interpretations being peddled.

Bans on Holy Bible and Holy Koran: The claim that the VAPP Law bans the use of the Holy Bible and Holy Koran is baseless and entirely false. The VAPP Law does not in any way and form interfere with religion and religious practices in any way. Religious freedom and the right to practice one’s faith are protected under the Nigerian Constitution. The VAPP law promotes freedom of choice.

Ordination of Female Priests: Like the false claim on Bans on Holy Bible and Koran,  The VAPP Law does not ordain female priests in the Holy Catholic Church or any other religious institution. Matters of religious ordination and practices are determined by the respective religious organizations and are not within the scope of the VAPP Law. This is also stipulated in Chapter 4 section 38 of the Nigerian constitution …  (1) Every person shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom (either alone or in community with others, and in public or in private) to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance

Crowning Women as Ezes: The assertion that the VAPP Law mandates the crowning of women as Ezes (traditional rulers) is unfounded. Traditional leadership structures and succession practices are governed by customary laws and traditions, and the VAPP Law does not interfere with these customs. However, the VAPP law speaks to ending all harmful traditional practices against women and girls, such as female genital mutilation, harmful widowhood practices and on women’s inheritance. Please get the right information!

The claims made by Dr. Philip Njemanze misrepresent the provisions of the VAPP Law and create unnecessary confusion and distraction among the public. We therefore urge the public and media outlets to verify information from reliable sources and consult legal experts  e.g Federation of Women Lawyers – FIDA to gain insights and an accurate understanding of the VAPP Law.

The VAPP Law was enacted with the aim of protecting individuals from all forms of violence and ensuring justice for victims. It is an important step toward promoting a safer and more equitable society. Continually we stand by the effectiveness and significance of the VAPP Law in addressing violence against persons and upholding human rights and are glad with the successes and testimonies received thus far.

We demand that Dr Njemanze retract these slanderous statements against the VAPP and set the fallacies he has set in motion right.

The Violence Against Person prohibition bill is a public document that all can access. There are no hidden clauses suggestive of the fallacies being spread by Dr Philip Njemanze. We urge the public to read through the VAPP law and call out Dr. Philip for false information.

The VAPP law should not be used as a campaign tool and the public needs to be aware that this is what Dr Njemanze is aiming to do.

We remain committed to promoting accurate information and fostering constructive dialogue around important legislative measures.

For any further clarification or inquiries, please reach out to us at afa@alliancesforafrica.org

Iheoma Obibi

Alliances for Africa

Owerri, Imo State

IMO STATE VIOLENCE AGAINST PERSONS PROHIBITION LAW, 2021 (VAPP LAW)

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THE VAPP LAW

Double-click the image to read the VAPP LAW

Alliances for Africa Celebrates the Gains of Collective Activism on her project – Ending Violence Against Women and Girls in Imo State, funded by United Nations Trust Fund

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The Executive Director Alliances for Africa (AfA) Ms Iheoma Obibi Press statement at the event reads...

19th May 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alliances for Africa’s (AfA) Efforts in Ending Violence Against Women and Girls in Imo State.

Alliances for Africa, a leading feminist-led organisation in Imo State, has, over the past 3 years and 6 months implemented a project on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls in Imo State with funding from United Nations Trust Fund on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (UNTF-EVAWG).

Over the course of the project, various initiatives were implemented, including capacity building for frontline service providers, strengthening of the referral pathway for reporting SGBV in Imo State, awareness-raising campaigns, and the establishment of support structures for survivors of violence. This includes:

  • Establishing a 30-person multi-sectoral committee of state and non-state actors, CBOs, faith-based organisations, CSOs and other key stakeholders named as the Imo State Committee on Ending Violence against Women and Girls (ISCEVAWG);
  • The facilitation of the domestication of the VAPP Law in Imo State;
  • Increased awareness and strengthened stakeholders’ capacity and engagement in ending violence against women and girls in the state in all three senatorial zones;
  • Production of a referral pathway of frontline service providers booklet to support survivors and their families when reporting cases of sexual and gender-based violence;
  • Facilitating the discussions on establishing the Imo State Agency for the Prohibition of Violence Against Persons.
  • Increased Local women’s organization activism and voices by strengthening their by-laws and constitutions to ensure local frameworks towards better protection of women and girls
  • Built sustainable relationship with the media institutions in Imo State which supported and galvanized support during the project life cycle.
  • Promoting an inclusive system by strengthening synergies and partnerships with persons with disability.

The project also successfully implemented community-based awareness campaigns, school sensitizations outreaches where school children were sensitized on the elements of VAWG, addressing the culture of silence which still remains a challenge also reaching over a 1 million direct and approximately 2million indirect beneficiaries in Imo State with messages to end violence against women and girls.

The campaigns highlighted the need to end all forms of sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls, educating women on their civil status in marriage, female genital mutilation, harmful widowhood practices, consequences of early marriage, abolishment of long aged traditions and norms, wife batters, and encouraging community members to report cases of violence and support survivors’ path to justice while arming the women with summarised copies of the VAPP law.

Special thanks to the Imo State Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Women Affairs for their support and commitment on this path.

Our Struggles and Challenges:

On this path to ending violence against women and girls in Imo State, one of our major challenges is enforcing the VAPP law. Though the VAPP law was signed into law and gazetted on the 17th Dec. 2021 through the efforts of collective activism, its full implementation has struggled because there is no Regulatory body and hence no accountability. This makes it very difficult for survivors whom we fight for to access justice.

Thus we emphasise, that domestication is not enough, effective implementation is more!

Enforcement of the VAPP law will make it a living document and a reference point for women and girls to defend and advance their rights.

OUR DEMANDS:

On this bases, Alliances for Africa and the community we represent do hereby demand the following:

  • That Imo State Ministry of Justice increase their efforts effectively on their mandate to provide access to justice to persons in Imo State through establishing the regulatory body- IMO AGENCY for the Prohibition of Violence Against Persons. As stated in Part V section  (55) 1 VAPP Law, There is hereby established a body to be known as The Imo State Agency for the Prohibition of Violence Against Persons as  Regulatory  herein referred to as “THE AGENCY”
    • The Agency shall be – (See Appendix to be read as stated in the VAPP law)
  • That the newly established sexual assault referral centre, also called “The Deborah Centre”, should be equipped with a Centre Manager, Doctors, psychosocial support, Nurses and necessary stakeholders as mentioned under the VAPP to aid the successful rehabilitation and justice for survivors.
  • That the Imo State government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs, should create a central referral pathway and centre for the ease of reporting and addressing cases of violence against women and girls and to aid the support of data collection.
  • Our earnest desire and quest is for the Ministry to leverage the continuous achievements of Alliances for Africa through the UNTF project on ending violence against women and girls to make Imo State a safe space for women and girls.

We sincerely appreciate all the stakeholders who work with us and for us on this journey, the state and non-state actors, CSOs, CBOs, and other key stakeholders. We say Thank You!

We are confident that our collective activism will continue to have a lasting positive impact on the State.

Thank you again.

Ms Iheoma Obibi

Executive Director

Alliances for Africa

Owerri, Imo State

Subscribe to our Website: https://alliancesforafrica.org/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/AlliancesforAfrica

Twitter: http/AfAafrica

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliancesforafrica

CALL OUT FOR A FEMALE RESEARCH CONSULTANT.

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Call out graphice for female researcher

 

CALL OUT FOR A DESK RESEARCH ON THE IMPACTS OF COVID-19 ON THE SOCIO-CULTURAL AND GENERAL LIVELIHOOD OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN IMO STATE. 

INTRODUCTION: Alliances for Africa (AfA) a non-profit, feminist led, human rights, peace and sustainable development organization located in Owerri Imo State is seeking the services of an expert to conduct a desk research assessment on the impact of Covid-19 in Imo State of Nigeria particularly as it affected the socio-cultural and general livelihood of women in the state with a view to proffering solution, precautionary and preventive measures to the pandemic aimed at deriving research evidence.  

RESEARCH TITLE: State-wide assessment and desk research on the Impacts of Covid-19 on Socio-economic and General Livelihood of Women and Girls in Imo State, Nigeria.

SCOPE: The desk research shall cover the 27 LGA in Imo State. It shall be conducted on some randomly selected LGAs and communities as samples.

BACKGROUND OF THE ISSUE: 2020/2021 was a difficult year for women and girls all over the continent including Imo State communities as well. The pandemic and its associated lockdowns had multiplier effect on the livelihood of women across the zones, especially those living in rural and urban poor communities.

The impact of the sudden lock downs and lack of daily income earnings has been borne by women and girls who are already held back by gender and economic inequalities. As well as deeply engrained social norms where women have always struggled with their freedom of expression and ability to make personal individual choices.

The socio-economic impact of COVID19 pandemic deepened inequalities and encouraged the persistent violations of the rights of women and girls. Whilst further exposing the acutely disadvantageous conditions that make women and girls more vulnerable and unable to withstand the effects of the pandemic.

In Imo State, women form the larger number of informal market traders, artisans such as hairdressers, beauticians, waitresses in hotels, restaurants and bars, subsistence farming, etc, thus the impact of lockdowns, social distancing measures and other restrictions portrayed a severe negative impact on women livelihoods.

There is the need therefore to look into what was in place before the pandemic surge and the lives during and after it as an evidence and documentation purposes in order to have informed decisions for accurate program plan.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES:

  1. To assess the general impact level of Covid-19 in all human ramification inclusive of its environment within Imo State.
  2. To determine the effects of the pandemic on the socio-cultural livelihood of women and girls in the state.
  3. To assess the detrimental and consequential setbacks of the Covid-19 on the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls in Imo State.
  4. To highlight learnings, sustainable and resuscitating plans by government institutions.
  5. To ascertain levels of precautionary and adverse preventive measures put in place by concerned constitutional authorities for future pandemic escalations.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSESSMENT: The purpose of the assessment is to document learnings, and hopefully serve as a utility for the organization, to learn lessons, to inform future plans and precautions.

DURATION: 21 Working days

ASSESSMENT ETHICS: The evaluation must be carried out in accordance with the principles outlined (with impartiality and independence, transparency, etc.). The assessor must have a plan in place to:

  • Protect the rights of authors/respondents, including privacy and confidentiality especially those of women and girls;
  • Elaborate on how informed consent will be obtained and to ensure that the names of individuals consulted during data collection will not be made public;
  • If the assessment involves children (under 18 years old) the consultant must consider additional risks and need for parental consent;
  • The consultant must be trained in collecting sensitive information/data.
  • Data collection tools must be designed in a way that is culturally appropriate and does not create distress for respondents;
  • The interviewer or data collector must be able to provide information on how individuals in situations of risk can seek support (referrals to organizations that can provided counselling support, for example).

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Key requirements for consultant and the selection / recruitment process:

  Covid-19 assessor must be conducted by external consultant.

  External consultant can be local consultant(s) and/or international consultant(s) or a firm.

  Consultant must be independent from any organizations that have been involved in designing, executing, managing or advising any aspect of UNTF programs that is the subject of the assessment and any other UN Trust Fund-funded projects.

  M&E officer(s) and/or other staff members within the grantee organization or implementing partners can NOT be the consultant for this assessment.

  The core members of the team / lead evaluator must be experienced evaluators.

  The evaluation team should be selected taking into account the required competencies, diversity of perspectives and accessibility to the local population if need be.

  Data collection visits (if need be), should be organized at the appropriate time and place to minimize risk to respondents;

  The interviewer or data collector must be able to provide information on how individuals in situations of risk can seek support (referrals to organizations that can provide counselling support, for example).

QUALIFICATION AND ELIGIBILITY: The expert will be required to have;

  • A minimum of Master’s Degree in faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
  • Minimum of three years working experience in a similar field.
  • Proven practical experience using previous works of analysis.

CRITERIA REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ASSESSOR: Under the direct supervision of the M&E officer and the Programs Manager, the consultant will be required to;

  • Develop simplified tools to measure impacts in line with outcomes of the pandemic, experiences of the organization as well as partners and perhaps victims/survivors.
  • Support in the drafting of the assessment reports and final assessment report.
  • Be available to attend meetings; virtual and in-person during the planning and concluding processes of the assessment.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applicants are required to submit the following:

  • A cover letter stating why you are suitable for the consultancy position linking your experiences to our objective needs – not more than two pages.
  • Updated curriculum vitae highlighting qualifications and experience in similar projects of not more than two pages.
  • Work references – contact details (e-mail addresses) of referees (organizations for whom you have produced similar assignments).
  • Kindly submit your cover letter, CV and other relevant documents in one/single PDF file.
  • All Submissions should be made via the e-mail; afa@alliancesforafrica.org and copied to blessing@alliancesforafrica.org

Submissions must be received not later than 27th May, 2023. (Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply for this advertised position).

 

Statement by Alliances for Africa at the

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75th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

Observer Status Number 235

Statement by Alliances for Africa at the

75th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

Observer Status Number 235

Honourable Chairperson of the ACHPR,

Alliances for Africa is an international African-led feminist non-governmental human rights, peace, and sustainable development organisation. AfA works with partners in, around and beyond the continent of Africa. Alliances for Africa is a member of the Solidarity for African Women’s Rights (SOAWR). The SOAWR Coalition was formed in 2004 in dedication to the promotion of the Maputo Protocol as a key instrument to realise the human rights of women and girls in Africa. SOAWR’s principal objective is to advocate for the adoption, ratification, domestication, and implementation of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (the Maputo Protocol) and seeks to align its mission to the AU’s All for Maputo Protocol Programme. SOAWR currently has a membership of over 80 organisations in over 30 African countries.

Honourable Chairperson, the SOAWR Coalition commends the Government of South Sudan on its recent accession to the Maputo Protocol, among other international human rights treaties. The ratification of the Maputo Protocol is a critical step towards the enhancement of access to justice and human rights for the women and girls of South Sudan, especially in the areas of access to justice and the elimination of all forms of violence, discrimination, and harmful practices against women. We note that incidences of violence and discrimination against women are on the rise in South Sudan, laid bare by the recent alleged blinding of an 18-year-old woman by her father for refusing an arranged marriage.[1] We urge the Government of South Sudan to complete the ratification process of the Maputo Protocol by depositing the instruments of ratification with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. We urge Botswana, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Madagascar, Morocco, Niger, Somalia, and Sudan – to urgently ratify the Maputo Protocol to ensure the women and girls in these countries enjoy their rights as enshrined in the Protocol. Additionally, we call upon the Commission, in cases where countries have ratified the Maputo Protocol, to increase engagement on the implementation of the treaty, including relevant legal and policy reforms on key priority areas as identified by women’s rights activists and organisations; and to submit regular and timely reports on the progress made in line with the Commission’s reporting guidelines.

Honourable Chairperson, the SOAWR Coalition is concerned about Sudan’s escalating human rights situation. As of April 18, 2023, the UN reported that 185 people were killed and 1800 injured during the first few days of the military conflict between the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group and the armed forces of the Sudanese government.[2] Worryingly, media reports portray a dire picture of the humanitarian situation in the country with reports of attacks against civilians and aid workers, the shutdown of the health care system in Khartoum and residents sheltering at home out of fear of attacks. Women and girls bear the brunt of armed conflict wherever it occurs. Before the latest conflict, civil society organisations had already raised the alarm about escalating attacks against women and girls, including killings, rape, kidnappings, forced displacement and police brutality against women protesters.[3] The SOAWR Coalition remains worried about the volatile political situation in Sudan and its risk of further escalating and endangering civilian lives. We urge the African Commission to immediately condemn the armed conflict in Sudan and call for an immediate end to all hostilities. We demand that the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa urge the relevant authorities to put in place measures to ensure that women and girls in Sudan are protected from rape and sexual assault in line with Sudan’s human rights obligations and take all steps necessary to address and mitigate the harm to victims of sexual and gender-based violence that have already occurred through a survivor-centred approach. Further, we urge that the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders and Focal Point for Reprisals in Africa urge the Sudanese authorities to immediately cease acts of violence, intimidation and reprisals targeting women human rights defenders and women’s rights civil society in the country.

Honourable Chairperson, climate change and global warming pose a significant threat to the enjoyment of human rights, particularly those of women and girls in Africa. African women and girls are disproportionately affected by the effects of climate change and global warming, as they are often more dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods, are less likely to have access to resources, such as education and healthcare, which can help them cope with the effects of climate change, and suffer disproportionately from the impact of resource conflicts, droughts, and famines. For African women and girls, the climate crisis is already here, and there is an urgent need to address, mitigate and reverse the effects of this crisis. We call upon the African Commission to (1) reinvigorate efforts towards promoting a human-rights-based approach to addressing the climate crisis and its impact in Africa through its mandate, with reference to Resolutions 153, 271 and 342, which call for the strengthening of regional and international climate action cooperation, the adoption and implementation of special measures for the protection of vulnerable groups such as children, women, older persons and persons with disabilities, indigenous communities and other minorities, and (2) undertake the development and publication of a study on the impact of climate change on human rights in Africa.

The Federal Republic of Nigeria’s revised National Gender Policy (NGP) 2021-2026 was adopted at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in 2022 as part of the state’s obligation to provide institutional and policy frameworks congruent with its international obligations and ratified legal and policy instruments.[4] The Revised NGP sets a minimum standard for gender equality and adopts a strategy focused on three critical areas: Gender Equality, Empowerment of Women, and Social Inclusion. Since its adoption, Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), one of the member organisations of the SOAWR Coalition, has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA) to create awareness and knowledge updates on the policy at the federal level, engaging with other relevant federal ministries for effective coordination and implementation of the National Gender Policy, especially its provisions on gender-responsive budgeting. A majority of Nigerian women participate in the informal sector, such as agriculture and small businesses. This population is often overlooked due to poor access to financial services and banking institutions, which leaves women disproportionately served and excluded from the financial system.

According to a publication by one of WRAPA’s partners, titled Assessing National Funding for Women’s Economic Empowerment in Nigeria, the government of Nigeria needs to institutionalise gender-responsive budgeting practices to empower accountability actors to evaluate the impact of budgetary and increased budgetary disbursements on women’s economic empowerment, women’s financial inclusion, and women’s economic collectives.[5] We urge the government of Nigeria to improve transparency and accountability around the allocation and utilisation of women’s economic empowerment, women’s financial inclusion, and women’s economic collectives by building more institutional capacity for gender-responsive budgeting. We also urge the government of Nigeria to implement constitutional principles, statutes and policies aimed at promoting gender equity and establish systems that link those policies to budget tracking and analysis. Considering the importance of gender-sensitive planning and budgeting processes in the promotion of the rights of women and girls in Africa, we urge the ACHPR to remain seized of this issue and enhance engagement with AU Member States on this thematic area, keeping in mind obligations by States to provide adequate budgetary allocations for the full and effective implementation of Maputo Protocol provisions.

Thank you

Done on April 20, 2023.

The SOAWR Coalition is comprised of the following:

  1. Action for Development (ACFODE)
  2. African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS)
  3. African Women’s Development Fund
  4. African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET)
  5. Akina Mama wa Afrika
  6. Alliances for Africa (AfA)
  7. Association des Juristes Maliennes (AJM)
  8. Association des Juristes Sénégalaises
  9. Association of Egyptian Female Lawyers (AEFL)
  10. Association Jossour Forum des Femmes Marocaines (Jossour)
  11. Atwar Organization for Research and Social Development (Atwar)
  12. BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights
  13. Cellule de Coordination sur les Pratiques Traditionelle Affectant la Sante des Femmes et des Enfants (CPTAFE)
  14. Center for Health Human Rights and Development (CEHURD)
  15. Center for Human Rights – University of Pretoria
  16. Center for Reproductive Rights
  17. Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW)
  18. Centre for Justice Studies and Innovation (CJSI)
  19. Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR)
  20. Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW)
  21. Collectif des Associations et ONGs Féminines du Burundi (CAFOB)
  22. Eastern African Sub-Regional Support Initiative (EASSI)
  23. Equality Now
  24. Fahamu Networks for Social Justice
  25. Federation of Women Lawyers – Kenya (FIDA-Kenya)
  26. Fondation Pour l’Egalité/ CIDDEF
  27. Forum Mulher
  28. Forum for Development and Human Rights Dialogue (FDHRD)
  29. Girl Child Network (GCN)
  30. Great Lakes Initiative for Human Rights and Development (GLIHD)
  31. Human Rights Law Service (HURILAWS)
  32. IGED Africa
  33. Inter-African Committee (IAC) on Harmful Traditional Practices
  34. Inter-African Network for Women, Media, Gender Equity and Development (FAMEDEV)
  35. Ipas Africa Alliance for Women’s Reproductive Health and Rights
  36. Islamic Development and Relief Agency (IDRA)
  37. Journal Féministe Algérien
  38. KADIRAT
  39. Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ-Kenya)
  40. Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC)
  41. Make Every Woman Count
  42. Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre (MHRRC)
  43. MPOWER
  44. National Association for the Defense of Rights and Freedoms (NADRF)
  45. Network Against Female Genital Mutilation (NAFGEM)
  46. NGO Gender Coordination Network (NGOGCN)
  47. Oxfam GB
  48. People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA)
  49. Question de Femmes
  50. Reproductive Health and Rights Alliance (RHRA)
  51. Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD)
  52. Sister Nambia
  53. Source of Peace Organization (SPO)
  54. STEWARD Women
  55. Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA)
  56. Support the Empowerment of Women and their Rights for Development (STEWARDWOMEN)
  57. Tomorrow’s Child Initiative
  58. Tshwaranang Legal Advocacy Centre (TLAC)
  59. Uganda Women Network (UWONET)
  60. Union Nationale Des Femmes Djiboutiennes
  61. Voix de Femmes
  62. Well Being Africa
  63. Women and Law in Southern Africa – Zambia (WLSA Zambia)
  64. Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF)
  65. Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL)
  66. Women of Liberia Peace Network
  67. Women Peace Initiatives Association
  68. Women’s Advocacy and Communication Network (WANET)
  69. Women’s Counselling and Information Centre (WCIC)
  70. Women’s Rights Advancement & Protection Alternative (WRAPA)
  71. Young Liberian Women Organization for Improvement (WOFIM)
  72. Y-PEER PETRI

[1] Ninrew, C. (2023, April 17). Father who allegedly blinded daughter to be tried in Juba – Eye Radio. Eye Radio. https://www.eyeradio.org/father-who-allegedly-blinded-daughter-to-be-tried-in-juba/

[2] Booty, Natasha & Osman, Mohamed (2023, April 17). Sudan fighting: RSF and army clash in Khartoum for third day. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-65293538

[3] One month after signing political framework in Sudan: Women killed, raped, and civil society attacked – Protection, justice and accountability must be prioritised! (2023, January 17). ISHR. https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/one-month-after-signing-political-framework-in-sudan-women-killed-raped-and-csos-attacked-protection-justice-and-accountability-must-be-prioritised/

[4] National Gender Policy (2021 to 2026), Federal Ministry of Women’s Affair (2022). Available at: http://wrapanigeria.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/NATIONAL-GENDER-POLICY.pdf

[5] Assessing National Funding for Women’s Economic Empowerment in Nigeria (2022), Publish What You Fund, budgit, International Budget Partnership. Available at:https://yourbudgit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Assessing-National-Funding-for-Women-Economic-Empowerment-in-Nigeria.pdf

CALL OUT FOR A MONITORING AND EVALUATION CONSULTANT.

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FINAL EVALUATION & MONITORING OF ALLIANCES FOR AFRICA (AfA) PROJECT WITH FUNDING SUPPORT BY UNTF FOR EVAWG

PROJECT TITLE: Strengthening Stakeholder’s Engagement in the process of VAPP enactment and Implementation

DURATION OF THE PROJECT:  3years 

Project starting date:                     01/01/2020

Project end date:                            31/12/2022

SCOPE: 27 LGA and 640 Communities in the Imo State. The evaluation shall be conducted in some randomly selected LGAs and communities as samples. He/she shall as well carry out evaluation on 20% of the beneficiaries randomly picked from the selected LGAs (total number to be worked out with the evaluator).

A. BACKGROUND OF THE ISSUE:

In Imo State, Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) has taken root and grown into a giant oak tree with frightening dimensions that seem to be constantly fed by our inactions, non-availability of a legal frame work and mere righteous indignation. The failure of the state government to effectively address these issues as state security and human rights issues affect the rights of citizens in nearly every sphere of national life. In our project state, many women and girls are either victims or survivors of harmful cultural practices, sexual violence and harassment, physical violence, psychological violence, intimate partner violence, human trafficking and political violence and there is a near neglect of the issue and lack of will to even discuss it.

With the deeper social media penetration, the increase and cancerous spread of VAWG has been awakened with the circulation of incidents of rape, child molestation, violence perpetrated by state actors, cultural practices that are harmful and sexual offences on female students by members of the academic staff in several universities. All reports reviewed agree that the increase in VAWG in Imo State is as a result of non-existing legislation (VAPP) for legal action, so offenders perpetrate VAWG, get away and crime continues to spread in dimensions. In light of these problems identified in the communities, we realized some specific context that promote VAWG in Imo State which are the culture of silence perpetrated by religious and cultural beliefs, lack of political will to address VAWG as a human rights issue and a lack of collaboration among institutions responsible for VAWG in the state. Therefore, with this realization, this intervention came in place to address the problems identified through promoting effective legislation, activism for zero tolerance to VAWG in Imo State and a coordinated effort among government institutions and civil society organizations towards prevention and response to VAWG.   

This forms the bases for this project and the need call for evaluation to ascertain the level of project impact.

B. CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS OF THE PROJECT:

The increasing reports of VAWG generated from women and girls, police, media, National Human Rights Commission, MDG’S and CSO’s in Imo State and the social media presented itself as an opportunity to push for a domestic law as a call to action to end VAWG in the state through the enactment of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) as a framework for addressing the issues.

  • Organization: Alliances for Africa (AfA)
  • Project title: Strengthening Stakeholder’s Engagement in the   process of VAPP enactment and Implementation.
  • Project duration: 3 Years
  • Budget and expenditure: TBD
  • Geographical areas: Imo State, South-Eastern Nigeria
  • Specific forms of violence addressed by the project: The specific forms of violence to be addressed by this project are: Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Gender based violence (SGBV).
  • Main objectives of the project: The two main strategic objectives of the project are:
  1. To evaluate performance and impact of the UNTF Project;
  2. To highlight learnings and sustainable plans.
  • Key assumptions of the project:
  • There is wide range of sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls in Imo State.
  • There exist harmful cultural practices against girls and women in the state.
  • There is culture of silence and gender injustice and absence of legislative framework to redress these issues.
  • There are little/no institutions responsible for addressing violence against women and girls (VAWG) leading to unimproved effectiveness to prevent and respond to VAWG.
  • Description of targeted primary and secondary beneficiaries:
  • The primary beneficiaries of the project are; female political activists/human rights defenders, women and girls in general, women/girls’ survivors of violence, women/girl’s victims of sexual exploitation.
  • The secondary beneficiaries are; members of civil society organizations (including NGOs), members if community-based organizations, government officials.
  • Key implementing partners and stakeholders:

The key implementing partners and stakeholders include; UN Women, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), State Ministry of Gender and Social Development, External Consultants, National Orientation Agency (NOA), NAPTIP, FIDA, Child Protection Network, Police, CSOs, media.

  • As well as the strategy and theory of change/results chain:

The strategy deployed included the PAP (Prevention, Activism and Policy) pattern which is grouped into four actionable strategies:

Strategy 1: identify and engage with existing VAPP Networks and smaller women’s   movements at community levels; Conduct a baseline / capacity needs assessment of the networks/members; establish 27 LGA and 3 senatorial zonal coordinators; establish a data collation and monitoring components for their engagement in the LGAs; develop advocacy manual; endline on VAPP process.

Strategy 2: VAPP Network members will identify and engage with strategic traditional, religious and LG level legislators.

Strategy 3: this involved media component from the beginning to the end.

Strategy 4: this involved Documentary and Documentation on VAWG for women and girls.

Result: the project achieved the enactment and implementation of VAPP in the 27 local government areas and 604 communities in Imo State.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PROJECT:

Some of the achievement of the project include the following;

  1. The project has successfully established a state body known as Imo State Committee on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (ISCEVAWG) and their capacity to function as expected increased.
  2. The Violence Against Persons Prohibitions (VAPP) has been enacted in the state through the resilient effort of the ISCEVAWG members to curb incessant cases of violence in the state.
  3. In addition, the project has contributed to developing  the state directory on institutions working around women and girls which was missing, this is a coordinated approach to ensure women and girls are aware of the first point of call when they are abused and violated

C. PURPOSE OF THE EVALUATION:

The purpose of the evaluation is to document learnings, cross-check if the objectives of the project are achieved, and hopefully serve as a utility for the organization, to learn lessons to inform future projects and operations, having in mind goals and objectives of the project as guide.

D. OBJECTIVES OF THE EVALUATION:

The two mandatory objectives as per the guidance are:

  1. To evaluate the entire project (01/01/2020 – 01/12/2022) against the effectiveness, relevance, efficiency, sustainability, knowledge generation and impact criteria as well as the cross-cutting gender equality and human rights criteria.
  2. To identify key lessons and promising or emerging good practices in the field of ending violence against women and girls, for learning purposes.

Other objectives as set by Alliances for Africa (AfA) for more in-depth focus are:

  1. To evaluate performance and impact of the UNTF Project;
  2. To highlight learnings and sustainable plans.

e. CRITERIA AND EVALUATION QUESTIONS: To evaluate the entire project (insert dates), against the effectiveness, relevance, efficiency, sustainability, knowledge generation and impact criteria, as well as the cross-cutting gender equality and human rights criteria; 

i. Effectiveness

A measure of the extent to which a project attains its objectives / results (as set out in the project document and results framework) in accordance with the theory of change.

  • To what extent were improved access for women and girls to essential, safe and adequate multi-sectoral services to end VAWG?

ii. Relevance

The extent to which the project is suited to the priorities and policies of the target group and the context.

  1. To what extent do the cases of violence against women and girls are effectively and/or often reported, investigated and/or prosecuted?

iii. Efficiency

Measures the outputs – qualitative and quantitative – in relation to the inputs. It is an economic term which refers to whether the project was delivered cost effectively. 

  1. To what extent was the improved prevention of VAWG through changes in behaviour, practices and attitude?

iv. Sustainability

Sustainability is concerned with measuring whether the benefits of a project are likely to continue after the project/funding ends.

  1. To what extent will the community, youth and other groups mobilize people to change behaviour, attitudes and practices with regard to women and girls’ legal/human rights and take action to prevent VAWG?

v. Impact

Assesses the changes that can be attributed to a particular project relating specifically to higher-level impact (both intended and unintended).

  1. To what extent has the increased effectiveness of legislation, policies, national action plans and accountability system to prevent and end VAWG?

vi.  Knowledge generation

Assesses whether there are any promising practices that can be shared with other practitioners.

  1. To what extent has the institutions responsible for addressing VAWG improve effectiveness to prevent and respond to VAWG?

 vii. Gender equity and Human Rights

Assess the level of gender imbalances and human rights abuses has been checked in program implementing communities.

  1. To which extent human rights based and gender responsive approaches were incorporated through-out the project? 
  • DURATION: 1 month

G. METHODOLOGY TO USE:

The Evaluator shall apply both qualitative and quantitative measures to achieve the desired result which shall reflect the outcome of the project.

The external consultants applying for the role must propose the evaluation design and methodology in their proposal/application.

However, the external evaluator shall apply different forms of data sourcing which include but not limited to the following; interviews, fieldworks, surveys, etc. However, he/she shall discuss with the organization on the data sources and the data tools (including data collecting tools), bearing in mind the organization’s area of intervention which is humanitarian. A comprehensive data design modalities shall be submitted by the evaluator.

  EVALUATION ETHICS:

The evaluation must be carried out in accordance with the principles outlined in the UNEG evaluation guidelines (which impartiality and independence, transparency, etc.). ’The evaluator must have a plan in place to:

  • Protect the rights of respondents, including privacy and confidentiality especially those of women and girls;
  • Elaborate on how informed consent will be obtained and to ensure that the names of individuals consulted during data collection will not be made public;
  • If the project involves children (under 18 years old) the evaluator/s must consider additional risks and need for parental consent;
  • The evaluator/s must be trained in collecting sensitive information and specifically data relating to violence against women and select any members of the evaluation team on these issues.
  • Data collection tools must be designed in a way that is culturally appropriate and does not create distress for respondents;
  • Data collection visits should be organized at the appropriate time and place to minimize risk to respondents;
  • The interviewer or data collector must be able to provide information on how individuals in situations of risk can seek support (referrals to organizations that can provided counselling support, for example).

H. KEY DELIVERABLES OF THE EVALUATOR AND TIMEFRAME: This exercise is for 28 days.

 

No.

Deliverable

Deadlines of Submission to UN Trust Fund M&E Team

Responsible

Deadline

Timeframe

1

Evaluation Inception Report

This report should be submitted by the evaluator within 2-4 weeks of starting the assessment. The inception report needs to meet the minimum requirements and structure specified in the evaluation guidelines.

Evaluation Task Manager, Stakeholder Group and UNTF

21 Working Days

By 5th June 2023

2

Draft Evaluation Report

In accordance with the timeline agreed with the evaluator hired by the grantee, however it is recommended that the report is submitted no later than 2 weeks (10 working days) before the final evaluation is due. The Draft Report needs to meet the minimum requirements and structure specified in the evaluation guidelines.

Evaluation Task Manager, Stakeholder Group and UNTF

10 Working days

By August 14th

2023

3

Final Evaluation Report 

No later than 2 months after the project end date to UN Trust Fund. The Final Report needs to meet the minimum requirements and structure specified in this guideline for UN Trust Fund’s review and approval.

Evaluation Task Manager, Stakeholder Group and UNTF

2 months after the project end date to UN Trust Fund

By 30th August. 2023

I. SELECTION CRITERIA:

Key requirements for evaluators and the selection / recruitment process:

  Final project evaluations must be conducted by external evaluator(s).

  External evaluators can be local consultant(s) and/or international consultant(s) or a firm.

  Evaluator(s) must be independent from any organizations that have been involved in designing, executing, managing or advising any aspect of the project that is the subject of the evaluation and any other UN Trust Fund-funded projects.

  M&E officer(s) and/or other staff members within the grantee organization or implementing partners can NOT be the evaluators for this evaluation.

  The core members of the team / lead evaluator must be experienced evaluators.

  The evaluation team should be selected taking into account the required competencies, diversity of perspectives and accessibility to the local population.

  For projects working on VAW it may not be appropriate for a male evaluator to speak to female beneficiaries.

  Data collection visits should be organized at the appropriate time and place to minimize risk to respondents;

  The interviewer or data collector must be able to provide information on how individuals in situations of risk can seek support (referrals to organizations that can provided counselling support, for example)

J. QUALIFICATION AND ELIGIBILITY:

Required Qualifications and Experience of the Expert

The expert will be required to have;

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Minimum of three years working experience in a similar field.
  • Proven practical experience using previous works of analysis.

K. CRITERIA REQUIREMENTS FOR THE EVALUATOR:

Under the direct supervision of the M&E officer and the Programs Manager, the consultant will be required to;

  • Develop simplified tools to measure progress in line with outcomes of the project, experiences of the organization as well as partners and beneficiaries
  • Support in the drafting of the Project inception report, draft evaluation report and final evaluation report
  • Be available to attend meetings; virtual and in-person during the planning and concluding processes of the project.

L.

No.

Deliverable

Deadlines of Submission to UN Trust Fund M&E Team

Responsible

Deadline

Timeframe

1

Evaluation Inception Report

This report should be submitted by the evaluator within 2-4 weeks of starting the assessment. The inception report needs to meet the minimum requirements and structure specified in the evaluation guidelines.

Evaluation Task Manager, Stakeholder Group and UNTF

21 Working Days

By 5th June 2023

2

Draft Evaluation Report

In accordance with the timeline agreed with the evaluator hired by the grantee, however it is recommended that the report is submitted no later than 2 weeks (10 working days) before the final evaluation is due. The Draft Report needs to meet the minimum requirements and structure specified in the evaluation guidelines.

Evaluation Task Manager, Stakeholder Group and UNTF

10 Working days

By August 14th

2023

3

Final Evaluation Report 

No later than 2 months after the project end date to UN Trust Fund. The Final Report needs to meet the minimum requirements and structure specified in this guideline for UN Trust Fund’s review and approval.

Evaluation Task Manager, Stakeholder Group and UNTF

2 months after the project end date to UN Trust Fund

By 30th August.

2023

M. EVALUATION REPORT:

Submit/retire the final reports of the process to the M and E officer at AfA, meeting the minimum requirements and time schedule. Kindly refer below for details on reporting schedule.

No.

Deliverable

Deadlines of Submission to UN Trust Fund M&E Team

Responsible

Deadline

Timeframe

1

Evaluation Inception Report

This report should be submitted by the evaluator within 2-4 weeks of starting the assessment. The inception report needs to meet the minimum requirements and structure specified in the evaluation guidelines.

Evaluation Task Manager, Stakeholder Group and UNTF

21 Working Days

5th June 2023

2

Draft Evaluation Report

In accordance with the timeline agreed with the evaluator hired by the grantee, however it is recommended that the report is submitted no later than 2 weeks (10 working days) before the final evaluation is due. The Draft Report needs to meet the minimum requirements and structure specified in the evaluation guidelines.

Evaluation Task Manager, Stakeholder Group and UNTF

10 Working days

August 14th

2023

3

Final Evaluation Report 

No later than 2 months after the project end date to UN Trust Fund. The Final Report needs to meet the minimum requirements and structure specified in this guideline for UN Trust Fund’s review and approval.

Evaluation Task Manager, Stakeholder Group and UNTF

2 months after the project end date to UN Trust Fund

By 30th August.

2023.

 

Application Procedure

Applicants are required to submit the following:

  • A cover letter stating why you are suitable for the consultancy linking your experiences to our objective needs – not more than two pages;
  • Updated CV highlighting qualifications and experience in similar projects of not more than two pages;
  • Work references – contact details (e-mail addresses) of referees (organisations for whom you’ve produced similar assignments);
  • For virtual submissions, kindly submit using the emails provided above and send attaching all relevant documents in PDF format.

Submissions must be received no later than 5th May, 2023. All submissions should be made via afa@alliancesforafrica.org  copy to blessing@alliancesforafrica.org

 



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Alliances for Africa Pays an Advocacy visit to the Attorney General of Imo State.

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We had a successful Advocacy visit to the Attorney general of Imo State, today, 28th March, 2023.

It was Alliances for Africa  in collaboration with the Imo State Committee on Ending Violence against Women and Girls (ISCEVAWG).

The team led by the Program Manager Alliances for Africa – Ms Blessing Duru had representatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, and The National Human Rights Commission, etc. in attendance.

The purpose of the visit was to appreciate the Attorney General of the State – Chief Cyprian Charles Akaolisa for his tireless efforts to ensure the Passage of the VAPP into law and the domestication of same in Imo State

However, the team frowned that since the domestication of the VAPP Law in Imo State 2021, the Implementation, relevant stakeholder’s commitment and follow -up actions are slow while perpetrators of violence against women girls walk freely on the streets and survivors still battle with little or no access to justice.

The team recognizing the crucial role the Ministry of justice plays in the administration for justice in Imo State, Demanded for the following:

  • A continued partnership with the Ministry of justice to advocate for the full implementation of the VAPP Law.
  • To support and facilitate the discussion on the establishment of the Imo State Agency for the Prohibition of Violence Against  Persons
  • Maintain collaborations with the committee in ensuring survivors have improved access to justice by; fast-tracking petitions that comes from this committee, facilitating a good working relationship with the commissioner of the police, approving delegates from the police gender-desk to attend the committee review meetings and lending your voice to sensitize the public on issues through media engagements implemented by the committee
  • Support in investigating and punishing corrupt officials who truncate cases and encourage alternative dispute resolution at the expense of the survivors

In his response, the Attorney General of the State responded that the State in response to ending violence against women and girls has already commenced activities with the support of its  female lawyers including the International Federation of Female Lawyers- in particular the setting up of the Citizens’ Defense Department. 

A unit with a Director that will ensure issues related to gender based violence, immediate release of overdue cases in courts, citizens oppression, unlawful detention etc. will be brought to the fore etc. through this department, citizens who hitherto could not access justice can be supported to access justice. This will help to enforce the criminal justice court.

On our demand,

The Attorney general said, “I will take it up and I assure you that in the nearest future, the Imo State Agency for the Prohibition of Violence against Persons will be established.”

He immediately detailed the Permanent secretary to liaise with the team to ensure the full implementation of the VAPP law in the State.

“We are partners to ensure gender based violence and violence against women and girls are brought to end or to the barest minimum in the State and we will continue to collaborate to ensure we do our best for our people and our State.” He stated.