Worried by the rising cases of rape and other gender-based violence in Gombe, the State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), has called for the speedy domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in the State.
The call was contained in NAWOJ’s message marking the 2022 International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated on the 11th of October every year.
The day seeks to give every girl an opportunity to lead by putting them at the forefront of change and investing in their future.
The release, signed by its chairman, Talatu Lamon and Secretary, Abigail Kolo, called on the Gombe State Government and relevant stakeholders in the state to address challenges faced by girls.
NAWOJ emphasised that the speedy domestication of the VAPP law will promote girls’ empowerment as well as protect their human rights as is already the case in some States that have domesticated the law.
The release added, “When a girl is educated, the Nation is educated as well. Girls are the change makers that drive progress in their communities.
“Every girl has the right to be safe, educated and healthy life not only during adolescent age but also as they mature into women.
“Every girl has the potential to change the world as a mother, entrepreneur, mentor, household head and potential leader”, it stressed.
NAWOJ further appealed to all and sundry to join in the fight against all forms of discrimination against the women folk and girls in society.
