In 2024, Nigeria faces yet another blow to the advancement of human rights as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act comes under threat of repeal. The VAPP Act, enacted in 2015, has been a crucial piece of legislation designed to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) by providing legal remedies and protections for victims and survivors of domestic violence, rape, female genital mutilation, and other harmful practices. The proposed repeal of this landmark law not only endangers the lives and safety of countless women and girls across the country but also highlights the alarming trend of shrinking civic spaces in Nigeria.
What is the VAPP Act?
The Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act is one of Nigeria’s most progressive legal frameworks aimed at curbing violence in all its forms. Among its provisions are penalties for rape, spousal battery, harmful widowhood practices, and harmful cultural and traditional practices that perpetuate violence against women and girls. Since its enactment, the Act has been adopted by some states, serving as a critical tool for advocacy, protection, and justice in a society where gender-based violence remains endemic.
The 2024 attempt to repeal this Act sends a chilling signal about the government’s commitment—or lack thereof—to protecting women and girls. At a time when reports of SGBV continue to rise, the proposed repeal threatens to undo years of progress made in safeguarding victims and survivors.
The Shrinking Civic Space in Nigeria
The proposed repeal of the VAPP Act is occurring against the backdrop of Nigeria’s rapidly shrinking civic space. Civic space refers to the environment in which civil society organizations (CSOs), activists, and citizens engage with and influence government policies, laws, and actions. Over the past few years, Nigerian authorities have intensified crackdowns on dissent, curtailed freedoms of speech and assembly, and imposed restrictive laws targeting NGOs and advocacy groups.
This environment has significantly affected the ability of women and girls to advocate for their rights and hold policymakers accountable. The spaces where women-led organizations once thrived—raising awareness about SGBV, pushing for legal reforms, and providing support to survivors—are being systematically closed. Activists now face intimidation, harassment, and even physical harm for speaking out. By targeting essential legislation like the VAPP Act, policymakers are not just undermining legal protections but also silencing the voices of women and organizations that fight for equality and justice.
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Impact on Women and Girls
The repeal of the VAPP Act and the shrinking civic space disproportionately impact women and girls in Nigeria in the following ways:
- Increased Vulnerability to Violence
Without the VAPP Act, women and girls lose a critical layer of protection against various forms of violence. For survivors, the legal remedies and support systems provided under the Act, such as protection orders and access to justice, are lifesaving. Its repeal would leave many victims without recourse, emboldening perpetrators and perpetuating cycles of abuse. - Silencing Advocacy and Grassroots Movements
Women-led organizations and feminist groups have been instrumental in the enactment and implementation of the VAPP Act. However, the shrinking civic space restricts their ability to organize, educate communities, and advocate for survivors’ rights. With tighter government control, many of these organizations risk closure or find themselves unable to operate effectively. - Erosion of Trust in Justice Systems
The proposed repeal sends a troubling message to survivors of SGBV: that their pain and struggles are not a priority. This erodes trust in the government and justice systems, discouraging victims from reporting cases or seeking help, thereby reinforcing a culture of silence around gender-based violence. - Backlash Against Progress
The repeal signals a broader societal regression, undermining years of advocacy and awareness-raising efforts to protect women and girls. It threatens to normalize harmful practices such as child marriage, domestic violence, and sexual abuse, all of which disproportionately affect women and girls in Nigeria.
Women’s Rights in a Shrinking Civic Space
As civic spaces close, the impact on women and girls extends beyond the repeal of progressive laws. It is a larger battle against a culture of silencing women’s voices and restricting their ability to engage in governance and decision-making. The shrinking civic space:
- Limits Women’s Representation: Advocacy groups and feminist organizations play a crucial role in amplifying the voices of women and girls. Their suppression reduces opportunities for women to contribute to policy-making.
- Destroys Safe Spaces for Survivors: Many CSOs provide safe spaces and resources for survivors of SGBV. The restrictions imposed on these organizations directly impact survivors’ access to care and justice.
- Threatens Gender Equality Movements: Advocacy for gender equality and women’s empowerment depends on an open and enabling environment. Without this, the fight for equal rights becomes more difficult and dangerous.
What Needs to Be Done?
The fight against the repeal of the VAPP Act and the broader struggle to reclaim civic space in Nigeria require urgent action. Here’s what must be done:
- Mobilize Public Opinion: Civil society must work to educate Nigerians about the importance of the VAPP Act and the dangers of its repeal. Public outcry and grassroots mobilization can pressure policymakers to abandon the repeal.
- Strengthen Coalitions: Women’s rights organizations, feminist groups, and international allies must come together to form strong coalitions that advocate for the protection of the VAPP Act and resist attempts to restrict civic space.
- Leverage Technology and Media: Despite restrictions, social media remains a powerful tool for raising awareness and organizing resistance. Women’s rights groups can use digital platforms to amplify their voices and engage a global audience.
- Demand Accountability: Nigerian citizens must hold their leaders accountable for decisions that undermine women’s rights. Advocacy should focus on pushing for transparency in legislative processes and ensuring that lawmakers prioritize the welfare of all citizens.
Conclusion: Defending Women’s Rights and Civic Space
The proposed repeal of the VAPP Act represents not just a legal setback but a moral failing in the fight for gender equality in Nigeria. At a time when the world is calling for increased protection for women and girls, Nigeria appears to be moving backward. Coupled with the shrinking civic space, this repeal threatens to silence women’s voices and undermine their hard-earned rights.
However, women and girls in Nigeria have always shown resilience and courage in the face of adversity. This moment calls for renewed energy and collective action to defend the VAPP Act, reclaim civic spaces, and ensure a future where every woman and girl can live free from violence and fear. The fight is not just about protecting a law—it is about protecting lives, dignity, and the possibility of a more just and equitable Nigeria.