NGO Convenes Stakeholders Dialogue on Gender Justice, Child Protection

Caritas Nigeria, a faith-based organization committed to public health and social justice in Nigeria, has convened a multi-stakeholders dialogue on gender and child protection.

The event, held as part of the 2024 global campaign for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, embraced the theme, ‘UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls.’

In his opening remarks, Caritas Nigeria’s Abia State Team Lead, Dr. Chukwuemeka Amuta highlighted the importance of translating policies into actionable plans.

Emphasizing the theme, “Moving from Policy to Action: Advancing Gender Justice and Child Protection through Multi-Sectoral Response,” he called on stakeholders to use the dialogue as a platform to build consensus and identify practical strategies for strengthening policies and laws around gender justice and child protection.

In his keynote speech, a public health expert, Dr. Charles Ukauwa explored the critical challenges of gender-based violence and child abuse in Abia State.

He provided an overview of existing mechanisms, including the VAPP Act, the Female Persons Right of Inheritance Law, and support structures such as the NSCDC, NAPTIP, the judiciary, and civil society organizations.

He noted that despite these efforts, there are still significant gaps in enforcement and coordination.

He called for reforms to improve legal and institutional responses.

Dr. Ukauwa highlighted several areas requiring urgent attention, including the need for forensic centres to manage evidence, specialized courts for GBV cases, and effective referral centres for immediate response to violence.

He stressed the importance of addressing cultural norms through legal policy, behavioural change interventions, and redefining the Ministry of Women Affairs to enhance its impact.

He also pointed out the critical role of families, religious and traditional institutions, and the hospitality industry in supporting gender justice and child protection initiatives.

During the panel discussions, stakeholders expressed the need for a functional and well-coordinated state response to gender-based violence and child rights issues.

In her submission, the President of FIDA in Abia State, Bar. Akudo Amanamba lamented the hesitancy of GBV survivors to seek justice, citing fear of stigma and lack of support systems.

The Executive Director of Rural Development Planners (RUDEP), an indigenous Civil Society Organization active in gender and child protection in the State, Mr, Richard Okoro criticized the government’s failure to provide emergency shelters for survivors and its lack of measurable commitment to addressing GBV and child rights/protection issues.

The dialogue concluded with a strong call to action as stakeholders acknowledged the need to operationalize existing laws such as the VAPP Act and Female Inheritance Law, create safe spaces for survivors, and improve the quality of public education as a tool for prevention.

They also emphasized the importance of empowering women and girls with education and economic opportunities, engaging religious and traditional leaders to challenge harmful norms, and ensuring survivors of GBV are at the centre of all response mechanisms.

Caritas Nigeria, as the lead implementing partner providing comprehensive HIV treatment and care services in Abia State under the CDC/PEPFAR program, has made remarkable strides in addressing gender-based violence. Its gender program has provided post-GBV care to over 2,500 survivors, addressing their critical needs for safety and recovery.