On 5th December 2024 the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, in collaboration with the Gender Unit Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), hosted an impactful Capacity Building Training of Male Officers on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.This workshop brought together 30 senior-ranked officers from the NSCDC to deepen their understanding of enforcing gender-based violence (GBV) laws and engaging men in Gender justice
The training session was engaging, drawing from participants’ real-life experiences and encouraging active dialogue:
Session 1: Understanding Key Gender Concepts
Facilitated by Utibe-Abasi Bassey-Duke, this session demystified essential terms such as:
– Gender: Participants discussed how societal expectations of roles for men and women impact behavior and decision-making. For example, a participant from the NSCDC shared how traditional roles in her community often discourage women from reporting domestic abuse.
– Equality: A male officer reflected on how equal opportunities in training have improved his female colleagues’ performance.
– Violence Against Women: Examples such as Physical, Economic, and Emotional was analyzed under the VAPP
A “Myths vs. Facts”activity challenged misconceptions, such as the belief that GBV only affects women or occurs only in certain socio-economic groups.
The NSCDC Officers were encouraged to speak out when issues of violence happen.
Session 2: Overview of the VAPP Law
Mr. Arikpo Williams broke down the VAPP Act, highlighting cases such as:
– Physical violence:A woman physically assaulted by her partner.
– Economic violence:A man denying his wife access to funds to run her business.
– Emotional violence: Threats and insults used to control a partner.
The interactive activity “Violence or Not?” saw participants analyze hypothetical scenarios like a parent denying education to a girl child and determine how these align with the VAPP Act’s provisions.
Session 3: The Role of Men in Preventing Violence
Aaron Egot led this session, showcasing examples of how male officers can promote gender equality:
– Speaking up when colleagues make derogatory remarks about women.
– Supporting male peers who challenge harmful practices like early marriage in their communities.
– Mentoring junior officers to foster a culture of accountability and respect.
Session 4: Handling GBV Cases
Rose Itam,Gender Officer for the NSCDC, outlined the practical steps involved in handling GBV cases, including:
– Confidentiality: Officers learned how to handle survivor reports sensitively and maintain privacy. An officer shared an example of how a private GBV office within the NSCDC ensured a survivor could report safely.
– Referrals: Survivors are directed to NGOs in Cross River State working on GBV
– Evidence collection: Examples included preserving text messages or photographs as evidence of abuse.
A Commitment to Gender Equality
The highlight of the workshop was the officers’ commitment to upholding the NSCDC’s Gender Policy and advancing gender equality in their workplaces and homes. Specific pledges included:
– A male officer vowing to educate his family and friends about the VAPP Act to reduce stigma surrounding survivors.
This workshop represents His Excellency , Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s significant step in strengthening Cross River State’s response to GBV. By equipping security personnel with knowledge and practical tools, the state is fostering a culture where survivors are protected, offenders are held accountable, and gender equality is prioritized.
Such capacity-building efforts remind us that progress requires collaboration, reflection, and a shared commitment to justice. With initiatives like this, meaningful change is not just possible it’s inevitable.
