By Lizzy Carr
The Nigeria Association of Journalists (NAWOJ),Bauchi chapter ,has rounded off activities to mark the 16 days Activism on Gender Based Violence with a round table discussion with 30 Journalists.
The parley which took place at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat Bauchi focused on reporting Gender Based Violence and Violence Against Persons Prohibition(VAPP)law recently passed in the State.
Speaking at the event a Gender Expert Mrs Helen John said 30 years after the institution of the 16 days Activism On Gender Based Violence more victims are now coming to out to speak on violence melted on them.
“When these victims come out there are no shelters or referral centres to provide them with psycho social support and counselling.
“The media need to advocate for the establishment of these centres .”
Helen John said statistics from the 2018 National Demographic Health Survey shows that in Bauchi 21 to 22% of women in the state have experienced one form of gender based Violence be it physical or sexual violence. More than half of the women don’t report the violence.
The Gender Expert said gender based Violence comes in the form of rape, assault and sexual harassment and can occur at home, school, work place or in the community and of recent online harassment.
“Though results will not be immediate, but with media campaign more people will be aware of their rights and want to speak out”.
Speaking of the Violence against person’s Prohibition VAPP Law, Bauchi state secretary International Federation of Females Lawyers FIDA Bar.Hauwa Ahmed, said information gathering and preservation of evidence as it relates to rape is hampering prosecution.
“People need to stop washing rape victims before going to the police.We need evidence to charge perpetrators”.
She said currently the VAPP law has been returned to the State House of Assembly for amendment of some sections.
Barr Hauwa Ahmed said she is happy that the law has taken care of slot of issues regarding gender based Violence.
“The law prevents families from concealing rape cases as they have same punishment as the perpetrator because any case if rape is between the state and the perpetrator
Chairperson NAWOJ, Bauchi state chapter Bulak Afsa said that the association conducted the round table to scale up reportage geared towards the elimination of GBV and encourage victims to speak out.
She urge the media to sustain their reportage beyond the 16 days Activism On Gender Based Violence.