Sokoto, Oct. 7, 2024 (TheGavel) – In a bid to enhance gender equality and improve the criminal justice system in Sokoto State, stakeholders from various sectors have called for the full implementation of gender laws, policies, and regulations. The call was made in a communique read by Malam Rabi’u Gandi, a representative of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) stakeholders, at the conclusion of a two-day Stakeholders Policy Dialogue on Gender Accountability and Transparency. The event, held in Sokoto, was organized by CLEEN Foundation.
Participants at the dialogue highlighted the pressing need to address gender disparities within the criminal justice system, particularly in workforce composition, health conditions, career development, and promotional opportunities. They expressed concern over the insufficient awareness and enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and called for more comprehensive training for law enforcement officers to incorporate gender perspectives in their duties.
The communique stressed the need for a well-developed strategy to implement gender justice initiatives and ensure that existing laws, such as the VAPP Act, and relevant policies are effectively enforced. Stakeholders agreed that the successful implementation of these recommendations, in line with current laws, would significantly improve gender inclusivity and responsiveness in the state.
Furthermore, participants called for improved systems to collect, monitor, and report gender-related data, which they believe is critical for advancing women’s empowerment. They emphasized the importance of increased advocacy efforts to engage with key stakeholders and ensure the sustainability of gender equality programs.
One of the key recommendations was the formation of an Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee, chaired by the Chief Judge of Sokoto State, to oversee the effective functioning of the system. The stakeholders also stressed the need for adequate budgetary allocations for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) responsible for implementing the ACJL and other relevant policies in Sokoto.
Concerns were raised about the lack of collaboration and synergy among law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders within the state’s criminal justice framework. Strengthening these partnerships, they noted, would help address the gaps and challenges in the system.
In his welcome address, Mr. Peter Maduoma, the Acting Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, underscored the importance of the criminal justice system in upholding the rule of law, protecting individual rights, and fostering public trust. Represented by Dr. Gabriel Akinremi, Maduoma emphasized that the system must be continuously assessed and reformed to serve all members of the community equitably.
He commended the participants for their meaningful contributions during the discussions, noting that they identified key areas for improvement, shared best practices, and developed actionable strategies to enhance gender fairness, enforce accountability, and ensure transparency in the state’s criminal justice system.
The dialogue brought together key players in the criminal justice value chain, including officers from the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ministry of Justice, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Legal Aid Council, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Other participants included representatives from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Ministry for Women and Children Affairs, and the media. (NAN)
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