FIDA Abuja Empowers Rotary Club of Abuja with Knowledge on Combating Gender-Based Violence

In a proactive move towards raising awareness and fostering understanding on combating gender-based violence (GBV), FIDA Abuja extended its reach to the Rotary Club of Abuja’s weekly fellowship. The event, hosted by the President of the Rotary Club of Abuja, Rtrn. Ijeoma Agwu Joyce, took place on November 29, 2023.

The purpose of the meeting was to engage in discussions and promote actions aimed at preventing and addressing gender-based violence in society. Representing the FIDA Abuja Branch in the absence of the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson Francisca Akaniro Opara took the stage and delivered a compelling presentation on the topic “Know your Rights,” focusing on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of 2015.

Vice Chairperson Opara highlighted the comprehensive nature of the VAPP Act, which prohibits all forms of violence against individuals in both private and public spheres. She emphasized that the Act provides maximum protection and effective remedies for victims/survivors of sexual and gender-based violence while ensuring the punishment of offenders. Opara urged every citizen to familiarize themselves with this crucial tool.

In showcasing FIDA’s commitment to the fight against gender-based violence, Vice Chairperson Opara elaborated on the organization’s advocacy and sensitization programs in communities. She underscored the importance of creating awareness about the provisions of the VAPP Act of 2015. Additionally, she shared the various solutions FIDA offers to GBV victims, including empowering women and girls, providing cash support, economic empowerment initiatives, educating the girl child, and offering counseling services (pro bono) as well as free legal representation in court.

The interactive session saw a plethora of questions from the engaged members of the Rotary Club, all of which were satisfactorily addressed by Vice Chairperson Opara. In a fitting conclusion to the insightful session, a certificate of appreciation was presented to the Chairperson of the FIDA Abuja Branch, Chibuzo Maureen Nwosu, with Vice Chairperson Opara graciously accepting it on her behalf. The collaboration between FIDA Abuja and the Rotary Club of Abuja serves as a commendable effort to collectively combat gender-based violence and foster a safer, more informed community.