By Ifeoma Ezenyilimba
To ensure adequate implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law (VAPPL) in Anambra State, concerned stakeholders, have called for the establishment of Gender -Based Violence (GBV) Commission in the State.
The stakeholders, who were selected from some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) as well as some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Anambra State, made the call at the validation of the Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare 5-Year Strategic Roadmap known as the Anambra Strategic Plan For Inclusive Response And Empowerment (ASPIRE) Project, 2026-2030, held at the Conference Hall of Indigo Hotels, Awka, Anambra State, last Tuesday, Jan 20, 2026.
According to the stakeholders, the Gender -Based Violence Commission (GBV), when in existence will serve as a strong legalized institutional body that would ensure adequate implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law as well as other laws linked to gender-based violence.
They added that the GBV Commission would also be able to properly coordinate and institutionalize gender -based responses and activities in Anambra State.
Speaking at the workshop, the Anambra State Project Coordinator of Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC), Dr Josephine Onah, who cited some states in Nigeria where the GBV Commission/Agency exists, noted that the Commission when established in Anambra would ensure adequate access to justice for the victims of Gender-Based Violences.
Also speaking, the Executive Director Of Victorian Clarion Foundation (VICLAF), Mrs Lovet Uju Onyedilefu, stated that the Commission will among other things has to prevent, intervene and advocate policies that would address Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases in the state as one of its objectives.
This was even as she added that the Commission when in existence, would champion the socio-economic reintegration of survivors of SGBV.
Among others that were part of the workshop included the Anambra State Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Barr Ngozi Anuli Iwouno, mni; the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Chinwe Achugbu and the Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr Obiageli Uchebo.
Others were the Executive Director of Creative Minds and Youths Development Initiative, Mrs Ugochi Freeman; the Executive Director of Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC), Mrs Eucharia Ijeoma Anaekwe as well some key officers from the Anambra State Ministries of Economic Planning and Budget, Women and Social Welfare, Justice and Health.
The validation workshop was facilitated by Victorian Clarion Foundation (VICLAF) and sponsored by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC), a body that is implemented by the International IDEA.
