RIVERS STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN POLITICS END OF PROJECT REPORT.
SUPPORTED BY
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE
SUBMITTED BY
GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT ACTION (GADA)
www.gadanigeria-ph.org
MAY 2019 TABLE OF CONTENT
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ...... 3 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 4 2.0 PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND METHODOLOGY ...... 5 3.0 COMPEDIUM OF ACTIVITIES/ACHIEVEMENT ...... 6 3.1 STOP-VAWIP ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES ...... 8 3.2 ADVOCACY VISITS …...... ……… ...... 9 3.3 STOP VAWIP MEDIA ROUNDTABLE ...... 11 3.4 MULTI STAKEHOLDERS FORUM ……… ...... 12 3.4 COMMUNITY BASED TOWN HALL AND SENSITIZATION ON GOTV, VAWIP AND VOTER EDUCATION ACROSS 3 SENATORIAL DISTRICT IN RIVERS STATE. …...... ……… ...... 15 3.6 TRAINING OF TRAINERS ON GOTV/VOTER EDUCATION AND STOP VAWIP CAMPAIGN ……… ...... 16 3.7 COMMUNITY-BASED TOWN HALL AND SENSITIZATION ON GOTV, VAWIP AND VOTER EDUCATION ACROSS 3 SENATORIAL DISTRICT IN RIVERS STATE. …...... ……… ...... 18 3.8 PEACE WALK ON VAWIP AND GOTV CAMPAIGN ...... 20 3.9 Synopsis of NDI/GADA Radio program- Rivers Stop Violence Against Women In Politics(VAWIP)/ Get- Out- The Vote(GOTV) Campaign …...... ……… ...... 21 3.10 DIALOGUE WITH SECURITY AGENCIES ON RESPONSE TO VAWIP 23 3.11 SURVIVAL SERVICE CENTRE /Analysis …...... ……… ...... 27 3.12 RIVERS STATE VAWIP STORIES ……… ...... 29 4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS …...... 33 5.0 CONCLUSION…...... ……… ...... 34
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
Acronyms MDAs Ministries, Departments, and Agencies FIDA International Federation of Women Lawyers SSC Survivors’ Support Centre
VAWIP Violence Against Women In Politics NPF Nigeria Police Force GADA Gender and Development Action VAWGs Violence Against Women and Girls FBO Faith-Based Organisation GADA Gender and Development Action UNSCR United Nations Security Council Resolution ASP Assistant Superintendent of Police CSOs Civil Society Organisations DPO Divisional Police Officer MWA Ministry of Women Affairs MWAN Medical Women Association of Nigeria GOTV Get Out The Votes INEC Independent National Electoral Commission LGA Local Government Area CSO Civil Society Organisation NOA National Orientation Agency NSCDC National Security and Civil Defense Corps SVAC Stop VAWIP Action Committee
1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Rivers State Stop Violence Against Women in Politics (Stop-VAWIP) campaign aimed at Increasing Women active political Participation seeks to establish the link between gender-based electoral violence and the low level of participation of women in politics. Its overall goal is to address issues that impede the active participation of women in politics thus enlightening and mobilizing women participation during the 2019elections. The project also sought to document and report VAWIP incidences with a view to providing responses to survivors during the 2019 general elections.
Prior to the start of the STOP-VAWIP /GOTV campaign, Rivers State over the decade has experienced some of the worst forms of violent conflict, environmental disasters, disruption of livelihoods and has been one of the flashpoints of electoral violence.
Current security threats to the State have been more political in nature due to violence. The fear of violence which has become associated with the political and electoral processes in Nigeria and most especially in Rivers State has made it more difficult for women to fully participate in elections. Violence at the other hand has led to several inconclusive elections and the conduct of re-run elections in various constituencies in Rivers State from March 2015 till date. Elections in Rivers State have been militarized as there have been reports of the proliferation of firearms which has led to increasing in communal unrest, hence reputed to be seen as a targeted tool that deters women from actively participating in the electoral process
However, Gender and Development Action (GADA) with Support from the National Democratic Institute (NDI) structured the GOTV/S-VAWIP campaign in such a participatory manner and ensured the involvement of women groups , MDAs, security agencies, civil society groups, community mobilisers, and the media who worked tirelessly towards creating an enabling environment for female voters’ participation, sensitizing them against gender-based electoral violence ahead the 2019 general elections.
2.0 PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND METHODOLOGY Taking into consideration the importance of elections to the democratic process, it is essential that the electorates are well informed, aware and actively participate in the electoral cycle devoid of barriers. It is in recognition of the barriers women face in actively participating in the electoral process that NDI supported Gender and Development Action (GADA) on the Get Out the Vote (GOTV) and Stop Violence Against Women in Politics campaign.
The objectives of the GOTV, Voter Education and Voter Information campaign are to:
Inform and educate women in Rivers State on all electoral requirements to make sure that they are not excluded from the electoral process. Encourage every eligible female voter in the State to vote in the forthcoming 2019 general elections. Increase the turnout of female voters ahead of 2019 general elections.
The Rivers GOTV and SVAWIP campaign adopted a multi-stakeholder and pronged approach which involves collaborating and partnership with CSOs, Media, Ministries Department and Agencies, traditional, religious institutions, INEC and Security Agencies to;
To have a shared understanding of the issue Work together in the sensitization, conscientization, and mobilization of women and the public to encourage women’s participation in the electoral process on a sustainable basis; cultivating a culture of zero tolerance to VAWIP Report incidence of VAWIP; and Track and provide support to victims of VAWIP.
To address the growing concern on the effect of gender-Based Electoral Violence on women’s participation in Politics and Governance in Nigeria, NDI piloted the Stop Violence Against Women in Politics projects in Bayelsa and Kogi in 2015, Ondo and Edo in 2016,and Osun 2019 which were adjudged successful as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) noted that the November 26, 2016 election in Ondo recorded the highest number of women voters recorded in the history of the state and the Edo election recorded a near 100% violence against women free election.
It is against this backdrop that NDI scaled up the campaign to Rivers State to encourage women in the State to come out en-masse to vote during the election
The objectives of the Stop Violence Against Women in Politics campaign are to:
To create awareness about violence against women in politics and facilitate the process of challenging set attitudes and beliefs around it; To advocate to relevant stakeholders on addressing issues of violence against women in politics; To track and respond to VAWIP incidents during the election with the use of on the ground observation and citizens report through a hotline
The S-VAWIP campaign was also designed to provide support services for VAWIP survivors (legal, psychological, medical, emergency shelter, dispute resolution, etc. Consequently, the campaign built in the collection, collation and analysis of VAWIP data gotten through telephone
3.0 COMPENDIUM OF ACTIVITIES/ACHIEVEMENT
GADA developed activities gave the campaign rousing visibility in the State. Through, the awareness creation the IEC materials came in handy and served as a springboard for a lease of life and a totally new perspective to the status quo. Women and even their male counterparts began to realize that a new thrust was a welcome development and not the archaic focus that criminalized the women population with reference to their participation in electoral processes.
Gradually the campaign train moved to media organizations to enable a partnership that will further strengthen the initiative already begun. The move received a rousing welcome by lots of media organizations who gave total support and on several occasions invited our team to media chats. Our media roundtable thus, became one great channel to stakeholders and this enabled us to reach our target audience in Rivers State as our message through the media organizations were broadcast in local languages during their news in Rivers languages reaching a wider range of the public. It is therefore not surprising that massive turn out of women was recorded during the Presidential /National Assembly elections in March 2019. Through the hotline the survivors service centre received over 52 reported incidents during the presidential election. Our reports show that many women voters in Rivers experienced physical violence, threats to life, coercions, intimidation and harassments before and during the election, resulting in grievous bodily harm and threats to their lives. The SVAWIP campaign took advantage of different fora like; Post election town hall meetings and rallies held by GADA’s SVAWIP partners (INEC,NOA P4P et al) to pass on SVAWIP messages contributing to the campaign success
GADA held several one-on-one meeting, First with the Deputy Governor of Rivers State Her Excellency, Dr.Mrs IPalibo Banigo who gave her full commitment to the project mandate and assured us that more women will turn out to vote in the 2019 general elections after the States post election interventions. Her response formed an integral part of the encouragement notes that catalyzed our work.
Our multi-stakeholders consultative forum driven by a passion to sensitize major players in the State found a voice as the turnout was not just encouraging but was also result- oriented. It was a catchment to reach every stratum of society, as recommendations raised in the communiqué will elicit the campaign mandate to all and sundry.
The Stop-VAWIP Peace walks, which was also strong sensitization tool did not just create awareness of the goal sought, but it was also an avenue for intensive voter education that formed a sort of reach out an avenue to those who have not been able to attend any forum on the matter and increased awareness/advocacy to mitigate violence against women. With further reports in the media, it drove the message to all and sundry.
The community-based town hall meetings were productive channels to reach people who were even in their local communities. With the aid of interpreters, the three senatorial districts in Rivers State were with the messages and voter educational tools to enable even the illiterate to understand the message and then key into.
To ensure that women within communities were not left unattended since the matter of elections were , and still are, of Prime important GADA trained NOA Local government Coordinators and Women Community Mobilisers on effective SVAWIP messaging to further ensure proper dissemination of the Stop VAWIP and Get Out the Vote campaign messages within communities in the State.
Women’s groups, especially those in rural areas and even those in communities at the city centers got a dossier of the need to get it right at elections and the need for them to actively participate in the process and make their votes count. They rose to the occasion thanks to the sensitization.
Security agencies have often been accused of electoral malpractices just as it reflected in the just concluded elections in the State and even in the country. That all the more strengthened our resolve to take the message to them and to all those who are reached by them too. Though there were complains, our activity made significant impacts on these agencies.
The Stop-VAWIP toll-free number was publicized throughout the State and people were able to call-in and report cases of electoral violence and other concerns. The number: 08001100000, was of great help throughout the period, as it provided women in the State a platform for redress in matter concerning VAWIP.
With the governorship elections suffering setbacks in Rivers State, it becomes evident that the situation room would have been worse if we hadn’t carried out activities in the State
3.1 STOP-VAWIP ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES
GOTV/Stop-VAWIP Technical Working Session with keyStakeholders The Rivers Stop VAWIP campaign was structured in such a participatory manner ensuring the involvement of women groups, MDAs, security agencies, civil society groups, community mobilizers, and the media who worked tirelessly towards creating an enabling environment for female voters’ participation, sensitizing them against gender-based electoral violence in the 2019 general elections.
This activity helped to build partnerships with stakeholders and enhanced their capacity to carry out a sustainable campaign against VAWIP as well as giving the campaign the needed momentum in the State.
The Osun experience shared by a staff of Ministry of Women Affairs in Osun State demonstrated how the Stop-VAWIP Project led to the establishment of a Gender and Stop VAWIP desk officer in Osun State and influenced the State to begin implementing its gender policy signed since 2013
Outcome/Impact Includes ; • There was a built synergy amongst key electoral stakeholders in Rivers State to mitigate VAWIP and improve women political participation.
• Strategic VAWIP Messages was developed and used for advocacies with electoral stakeholders in the state as well as to develop information, education and communication materials.
GADA engagement with stakeholders led to the building of a coalition known as the Stop-VAWIP Action Committee whose major aim was to join force with GADA in galvanizing communities, relevant MDAs and the government towards the reduction of VAWIP as well as increase reporting of incidences of VAWIP in the communities and the State.
• 3.2 ADVOCACY VISITS
Several advocacy visits were carried by the Rivers State VAWIP Action Committee(SVAC) to different electoral stakeholders ranging from the Nigeria olice , National Orientation Agency, traditional and religious leaders to Ministries Department and Agencies. The aim of the advocacy meetings was to get the buy-in of these stakeholders towards supporting changes in norms and behavior that constitute violence against women in Elections. The meetings also provided an opportunity to formcollaboration and synergy in mobilizing women and other marginalized group’s participation in the election & their commitments to protect women before, during and after the elections.
Overall outcome/impact of the diverse advocacy visits are as follow:
Advocacy Visit Outcome/Impact with Media Organisation
• Prominent media organizations gave the commitment to air GOTV and STOP VAWIP messages, radio discussions, and jingles.
• Media organizations also ensured equitable and inclusive media coverage and reporting of some GADA's activities been an avenue to scale up the campaign
• Increased reporting and coverage of gender-based electoral violence and women’s political participation
Advocacy Visit Outcome with NOA:
• The advocacy team was able to get increasing collaboration with NOA in all GOTV/Stop VAWIP campaign activities
• With their local government structures at the 23 LGAs the State Director, Mr. Young Ayotamuno, mobilized NOA staff to serve serve in the capacity of LGA zmobilizer for the TOT on GOTV/Voters Education and Stop VAWIP campaign
NOA Director, Mr. Young Ayotamuno responding to the SVAC’ team Advocacy request
Advocacy Visits to Relevant Stakeholders in Rivers State
Outcome/impact
. Enlightened Stakeholders such as: the office of the Deputy Governor, NOA, NPF,INEC, MWA, MoSWR, and media gave their commitments and collaborated with GADA in mass sensitization
. GADA leveraged on the platforms of Stakeholders like NOA and INEC in sensitizing and mobilizing women at both the State and local government levels . Grass root popularisation of the Stop VAWIP Hotlines for reporting cases of Violence Against women in politics(VAWIP)
State VAWIP Action Committee with The AIM group team
3.3 STOP VAWIP MEDIA ROUNDTABLE
Prior to this activity, political sphere charged with a mixed tense and light moments of premeditated electoral violence by key political leaders. With the heightened tension, Rivers State became potent to electoral violence.
GADA utilized the media roundtable to raise awareness and advocate for behavioral change, using the media to disabuse the mind of electorates on the perceived violence that would have deterred their active participation in the elections. It also became one great channel to stakeholders who was called upon by different media groups to talk about the Stop-VAWIP campaign. This great channel enabled stakeholders reach our target audience in Rivers State as our message through the media was broadcast in local languages during their news in Divers Languages.
Outcome/Impact
. The GOTV/Stop-VAWIP campaign got the buy-in of media organization resulting in publicity made; GADA participated in various media discussions at no cost.
. It also as an avenue that popularised the survivor's service hotline for reporting cases of Violence Against Women in Politics (VAWIP).
• More so, the Stop-VAWIP/GOTV community sensitizations, training andmedia engagements reached out to over 10,000 people, over 70% of the women in city centers and rural areas.
3.4 MULTI STAKEHOLDERS FORUM The Multi-stakeholders Consultative Meeting Held at Eastlake Hotels on the 24th of January, was attended by the representative of the Commissioner of Police, Permanent Secretary Women Affairs, Federation of Women Lawyers, Traditional Rulers, Market Women Association, Nigerian Labour Congress, Media organizations, Religious groups, Medical Women Association, and National Orientation Agency. The objectives of the forum were to discuss potential collaboration on strategies of conducting effective gender based voter education and sensitization, as well as secure their commitment to support in mitigating violence by responding to cases of VAWIP.
The National Democratic Institute (NDI) and mixed groups of members of civil society organizations in the state was also in attendance. A total of 90 persons consisting of 29 men and 61 women were participated at the
Summary of discussions and resolutions reached: The following observations/recommendations were made by participants during the deliberation stage: 1. Political parties should formulate policies and constitutional provisions that will eliminate gender stereotypes that inhibit women’s political participation and inclusion.
2. INEC should insist that political party manifestoes and constitutions have provisions that discourage VAWIP. Parties should also ensure they include the VAWIP messages in their campaigns
3. Legislations that promote women in politics, discourage violence against women and encouraged reporting of violence should be set in motion to deter future occurrences.
4. Participants demanded increased advocacy by informed stakeholders towards issues of violence against women in politics. They also suggested that issues of gender and political participation of women should be mainstreamed in every space.
5. Participants demanded mechanisms and institutional arrangements for implementing policies and constitutional provisions relating to mitigating violence against women’s participation in elections.
Activity Outcome/Impact • The meeting provided a platform for electoral stakeholders to discuss and reach a consensus for government to pass legislation that will protect gender-based electoral violence, protect women during the elections and act on the requests/demands of women’s groups in case of VAWIP incidents.
• There was a strong collaboration between women groups and relevant Ministries department and agencies to Stop all forms of violence faced by women in politics
• INEC at a not collected their PVC’s and assisted Six(6) women to get their PVC’s
• Two(2)external stakeholders (INEC and NOA) through their post election townhall meetings promoted the involvement of marginalized groups in the elections with CSO partners’ voter education materials
• A communiqué was developed and signed by stakeholders present at the meeting
Photo Story
Panel Discussion During the Multistakeholder Meeting
Permanent Secretary Ministry of women Giving a goodwill message at theMultistakeholder’s meeting
3.4COMMUNITY-BASED TOWN HALL AND SENSITIZATION ON GOTV, VAWIP AND VOTER EDUCATION ACROSS 3 SENATORIAL DISTRICT IN RIVERS STATE. To ensure that Rivers women participate actively in the electoral process, GADA with support from the National Democratic Institute (NDI) on the 29th -31st of January 2019 hosted a community-based town hall meeting across 3 Senatorial Districts (PHALGA, TAI and Ahoada) in Rivers State. The meeting was aimed at providing a platform to secure the commitment of local community influencers to support the stop VAWIP campaign, strengthening the capacity of local women leaders to effectively enlighten their peers on the voting process and mechanism for mitigating violence against them as well as report incidences of VAWIP via the hotlines
Objectives of the training are: 1. To introduce the GOTV AND STOP VAWIP Campaign and secure the buy-in and support of community influencers to promote the campaign
2. To educate women on the voting process and mechanism for mitigating Violence against women in elections
PHOTO OF PHALGA Town Hall Meeting
Mrs Atosemi Teetito Permanent Secretary MOWA Responding to some of the questions raised during Tai Town Hall Meeting
Outcome/Impact:
• Women were enlightened on the voting process and what constitutes violence against them as referral procedure to mitigate incidents during the elections.
• Women were enlightened on practices that represent an abuse of the rights of women in politics, sensitizing them on the hotline, they were encouraged to stand up speak out against it, report incidents, and get help.
3.6 TRAINING OF TRAINERS ON GOTV/VOTER EDUCATION AND STOP VAWIP CAMPAIGN
Two-Days training for Rivers State GOTV/Stop- violence against women in politics campaign for LGA Coordinators held in Eastlake Hotel, GRA Phase 3, Port Harcourt was aimed at introducing the GOTV/Stop VAWIP campaign to GOTV community mobilisers NOA LGA coordinators, to review their sensitization and mobilization approach and furnish them with VAWIP campaign strategies, mobilization methodologies, message framing/dissemination, VAWIP measurement and identification and referral procedures. It was also aimed at ensuring that LGA coordinators are more proficient in communicating Stop-VAWIP messages while gaining knowledge on best practices for community mobilization to actively mobilize voters and propagate the VAWIP campaign amongst relevant stakeholders at the community level.
TRAINING OBJECTIVES
• To introduce the GOTV/Stop Violence Against Women In Politics (VAWIP) campaign to GOTV mobilizer’s and Stop VAWIP Coordinators • Review the sensitization and mobilization approach to the campaign • Introduce the GOTV/Stop VAWIP methodology/Referral procedure • Introduce participants to VAWIP measurement and identification
Outcome/Impact:
• A total of 46 Stop-VAWIP LGA coordinators (1 NOA COMOS and 1 Woman Mobilisers) were trained on the electoral processes, the importance of women’s political participation, what constitutes VAWIP, behavioral change advocacy and their role as local Stop VAWIP coordinators • NOA COMOS and Women mobilizers had a better understanding of Stop- VAWIP methodologies and were equipped with fact sheets and the validated Stop VAWIP- messages for effective community sensitizations and Mobilisation
•
Eunice Okam during her presentation at the TOT for community mobilizers
9. Community-Based sensitization for women and Local groups on GOTV/Stop- VAWIP Across the 23 LGAs of Rivers State
From the 18th January to 19th February LGA Coordinators were saddled with the responsibility of conducting voter education/Stop VAWIP sensitization activities to women, women’ groups to mobilize different categories of women to participate in the 2019 general elections. Consequently, series of sensitization engagements were held at different levels involving diverse women groups such as market women, women in academia, female politicians, faith-based groups, women in churches, young girls, men, religious institutions and schools.
LGA coordinators used existing platforms like town hall meetings, religious events, community market days and other opportunities in reaching out to targets broadening women’s perspectives on the electoral and voting process, how to deal with any challenge they may face in exercising their right to vote as well as referrals to a hotline set up under the campaign to receive complaints or reports of incidents of VAWIP. These sensitization activities were documented and sent via Whats app with pictures, description of audience and numbers reached to GADA
Photo of community sensitization by Stop VAWIP LGA Coordinator
3.8 PEACE WALK ON VAWIP AND GOTV CAMPAIGN
Two different Peace walk took place across major LGAs in Port Harcourt( metropolis Obio- Akpor and PHALGA). GADA in partnership with woman groups, Ministries Department and Agencies and Civil Society Organization partners embarked on the Peace Walk to create awareness on what constitutes VAWIP across the two (2) local government areas; identified as flashpoints with potentials for violence.
During the walk, GADA and the various groups distributed Stop VAWIP Factsheets with hotlines for eligible electorates /voter to report incidences of violence against women to be reported Outcome/Impact
• General public within Port-Harcourt and Obio-Akpor metropolis were sensitized on peace messaging and mobilized to go out and vote.
• IEC materials on voter education with the hotline number was disseminated to electorates who were also sensitized on the hotline and were encouraged to report all incidences of Violence during the elections.
The Survivors Service Centre (SSC) was popularized during the walk
3.9 Synopsis of NDI/GADA Radio program- Rivers Stop Violence Against Women In Politics(VAWIP)/ Get- Out- The Vote(GOTV) Campaign
As the 2019 general elections draw near, the political atmosphere in Rivers State became a mix ofthe tense side with the potency of violence. The usual throwing of tantrums when a fresh political season comes up was already ongoing. Violence against women used as a targeted and destructive tool in various cycles to dissuade women from participating as either election administrators, voters and candidates became alarming. This has critical implications for the electoral process because when women are deterred from fully participating in the electoral process which includes;Voting for their preferred candidates, executing their campaigns or fulfilling their mandate, democratic processes are effectively nullified. Despite the efforts by government and non-governmental agencies locally and international on the need for gender equality on women participation and representation in political offices, electoral violence has been identified by various scholars as one of the major factors that limit women’s political participation in Nigeria.
Therefore, it is on the aforementioned note that the topics below were dimmed fit to enlighten women as well the general public on the GOTV/Stop-VAWIP campaign and also build their confidence through the different issues highlighted in the topics of discussion by concerned Stakeholders.
Stop-VAWIP/GOTV TOPICS FOR RADIO DISCUSSION:
DATE/TIME TOPICS Saturday 19th Introducing GADA’s Get Out the Vote Campaign and Stop VAWIP Jan,2019 Campaign, supported by NDI
7:15am Sunday 20th Jan What are the roles and responsibilities of communities, Religious 2019 zorganizations and traditional institutions in enhancing Women’s Participation in electoral processes 1:15pm 26th Jan. 2019 The role of Security Agencies in mitigating violence against Sat women during elections. . Security agencies will discuss the mechanism on how citizens can report incidences of VAWIP and how they intend to respond. 27th Jan. 2019 Making the electoral process and the polling unit safe and Sun. accessible for Women and Persons living with disabilities. Gender Analysis of INEC’s Voters Register: How can this work to increase Women’s visibility in political processes. Role of INEC 2nd Feb. 2019 The Stop VAWIP Referral Procedure and Response to VAWIP: Saturday How to provide support to VAWIP survivors 3rd Feb 2019 The importance of Women’s Political Participation and how the Sunday media can strengthen their participation 9th Feb Role of Political Parties in mitigating violence against women in 2019 elections. How can political parties participate in elections without Saturday perpetrating VAWIP? How can parties address issues that affect women Sunday 10th of Vote buying and selling impedes the active and informed February 2019 participation of women in elections Sunday Analysis of the reported cases and data from the survivor's 17th February support center 2019
Ms.Inyingi Irimagha on classic FM talking about the GOTV/Stop VAWIP campaign
Use of Social Media:
GADA engaged in a social media campaign using Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp to promote and popularize the campaign reaching a wider audience. In addition, a WhatsApp group formed was a channel of communication where the Stop VAWIP coordinators can easily report and verify incidents of violence to the Stop VAWIP hub during the electioneering period. In addition, over 600 branded T-shirts, 1000 stickers, and 3000 factsheets were disseminated while three billboards in English and Pidgin with voter education and Stop VAWIP messages were erected in pivoted areas of Rivers. The T-shirts was worn at public events and by VAWIP Coordinators
Facebook.wwwfacebook/gadaportharcourt
Twitter@gada_phc
3.10 DIALOGUE WITH SECURITY AGENCIES ON RESPONSE TO VAWIP
In line with Stop-VAWIP objective of ensuring CSO’s and government partnership in mitigating violence against women in an election and in politics, Gender and Development Action (GADA) with support from NDI organize a one-day dialogue for security and political parties in Rivers State. To ensure an effective response to VAWIP incidents in Rivers State ahead of the 2019 general elections in the State. GADA with support from NDI strengthened the capacity of the security agencies present to understand what constitutes VAWIP and to note the requests/demands of women’s groups from security agencies in case of VAWIP incidents. Total of 29 persons consisting of 13 Men and 16 women were in attendance
Commitment with Security Agencies:
Army
The Army stated that although they are not primary responders to VAW, they would like to know how the police can track incidences of VAWIP that occurs in the family- the Army suggested a marshal sensitization of women on how to report VAWIP. Brigadier General Najaj speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Army stated that “you don’t have violence against women in the street, but rather in homes” this is the view of the Army concerning the forms of violence against women. In view of this, the Army promised to support laws to deter violence and requested GADA to share VAWIP incident to the Army and called for increased sensitizations in target areas.
Nigeria Airforce
The Airforce said they would give their direct lines to GADA to include them in response plans for VAWIP in the state.
Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp
Suggested the need to work with the legislature to ensure the enabling laws are in place in the state, they stressed the need to handle information from the hotline in confidence and in a manner that the identity of the victims will be protected. GADA also noted the need to report or share VAWIP incidence to security agencies in a timely manner.
Nigeria Prison Services
The service was more concerned about how to stop all harmful traditional practices that impede women’s political participation and the need to tackle the menace of violence at grassroots levels. The representative of the Controller of Prisons in Rivers during the dialogue mentioned that the security agencies in the State work in synergy, hence any form of violence reported will be followed to a logical conclusion. In his words “the synergy amongst the security agencies in the state is superb. “He assured GADA that security agencies would provide a response to VAWIP if reported and would provide security in the polls”. GADA inquired about the number of perpetrators that have been remanded or been sent to prison as a result of perpetuating violence and that was not provided at the time of this meeting.
INEC
-Called for more engagement with political parties, the inter-party advisory council and other political groupings to include Stop VAWIP messages in party messages. INEC representative also stated that non-passage of the electoral offender’s bill impedes INEC from prosecuting perpetrators of violence. INEC promoted its internal mechanism of securing the 2019 elections through its Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ACCESS).
National Orientation Agency (NOA)
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) is saddled with the responsibility of enlightening citizens through voter education and civic education, the agency also gathers information which it regularly shares with security agencies and other vital organizations. NOA stated at the meeting that through sensitization and engagement with citizens, VAWIP will be reduced in the state. The Assistant Director of NOA in his contribution stated that the Stop VAWIP campaign should be able to measure the impact of a series of activities conducted to mitigate VAWIP and increase women’s participation in elections.
Department of State Security
The Department of State Security (DSS) also added their voice on the Stop VAWIP campaign, by saying that they will deal decisively with perpetrators of VAWIP using its internal mechanism and intelligence. DSS urged women’s group in the state and GADA to report any incidence of VAWIP and to be proactive in sharing information across the 23 LGA’s of Rivers State. Political parties were also warned to desist from mobilizing thugs in the state.
Outcomes and Impacts
• Security agencies details were collated into a directory. The directory will be used to provide a response to incidences of VAWIP during the elections.
• A total of 23 representatives from various security agencies and 4 GADA Staff were provided with information to track and respond to VAWIP.
• The dialogue provided a platform for electoral stakeholders to discuss issues that trigger VAWIP and committed to developed strategies in a communique; the need for legislation to further protect women in the state and for all stakeholder to scale up awareness raising and advocacy on Stop VAWIP.
• It was noted that there is cooperation among security agencies in the state as security agencies kept emphasizing the need for female survivors to report the incidence of VAWIP. GADA/ NDI sees this request as a commitment to provide a response as stated in the communique.
Photo Story
Stakeholders at the Security Dialogue
3.11 SURVIVAL SERVICE CENTRE
The Stop VAWIP Survivor Service Centre comprised of GADA project team personnel, data clerks, Along with other participating stakeholders of the Stop-VAWIP Action Committee, including: NDI EECSP-partner the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Commission (NSCDC), International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), National Council of Women Society (NCWS), Medical Women Association Rivers State Branch, Ministry of Women Affairs. Others are Canaan Peace, Women and Community Development Initiative, Rivers State Partners for Peace, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) and Unity Market Women. Each stakeholder provided advice specific to their calling, tenet or law.
In the period leading to the Presidential /National Assembly elections up to Monday 25th February, the Stop VAWIP Survivor Service Centre recorded that support services were provided to 90% of cases reported via the hotline and observed by VAWIP local coordinators during the conduct of the 2019 general election.
The Stop VAWIP service center recorded that support services were provided to 90.3% of 44 cases reported via the hotline and observed by VAWIP local coordinators during the conduct of the 2019 Presidential election in Rivers State.
2019 Presidential Election Rivers State VAWIP Analysis
Figure 1 Class of Victims affected by VAWIP
Figure 2 Types of Violence
Figure 4 Sex of Victims Figure 3 Sex of Preparators
Group photo of Stop VAWIP service providers at the Setting up of the Survivors Service hub for the presidential election
Stop VAWIP service providers during the presidential election
3.12 RIVERS STATE VAWIP STORIES During the elections, one of the survivors said she was mandated by some political thugs at polling unit 5 in Oyibo council to vote for against the candidate of her choice, adding that when she refused, she was beaten up and chased into the bush by the thugs.
In Emohua and Ulakwo Etche LGA, an Electoral officer was shot in her arms, while two female INEC Adhoc officials were physically attacked on election day by Party thugs causing them grievous bodily harm.
Women were physically beaten in Oyigbo area of Port Harcourt to mention in particular a female candidate was attacked in Tai LGA by Party thugs. The Stop VAWIP survivors service center established that physical violence constitutes a total of 72% of the incident reported.
In Abonnema, Akuku Toru women were threatened, intimidated and prevented from coming out to vote due to the shooting due to the shooting and violent disruption of the electoral process.
There were reported cases of women that were abducted or taken away from their homes. Additionally, a Female medical personnel on election duty was arrested by security agents for providing services to injures electorates in the State. In Asari Toru, women received death threats by political agents if they did not vote as directed, resulting in low participation of women in the election due to fear.
In 2019 general election threats and coercion makeup 21% of reported incidents of violence against women during the conduct of elections in Rivers State.
The Stop-VAWIP Survivors service center recorded reports of continued inducement of women voters in polling units, particularly in port Harcourt ward 10 unit 16(Ikoku,Mechanic Village).Women voters publicly rejected financial gratis from political agents to influence their choice at the polls.
In part, this can be accredited to the Stop-VAWIP campaign awareness-raising effortsduring the Stop VAWIP campaign sensitization i women’s confidence was increased in the electoral process, thus fostering their full participation in the elections. Interestingly, we noted very commendable efforts by women at various polls who, despite all the threats, intimidation and coercion, refused all form of gratis from party agents around the polls
The Stop VAWIP service center recorded that support services were provided to 90.3% of cases reported via the hotline and observed by VAWIP local coordinators during the conduct of the 2019 general election in Rivers State.
Violence Against women Perpetuated by political parties and party activist stood at 59.1% of the total cases in Rivers State
2019 Presidential Election Rivers State VAWIP Analysis
Figure 5
Class of Victims affected by VAWIP
Figure 6 Types of Violence
Figure 7Sex of Victims Figure 8Sex of Preparators
PRESS BRIEFING ON FINDINGS OF THE SURVIVOR SERVICE CENTRE A press briefing on the findings of the SVAWIP Survivor Service Centre held on Monday 25th February to share findings from the Survivor Centre with recommendations to key stakeholders to mitigate violence against women in politics in following elections.
The News can be accessed through the following links:
https://guardian.ng/politics/edo-pdp-scores-inec-low-in-february-3- poll/http://www.sahelstandard.com/female-Victims-of-electoral-violence-inrivers-seek- legislation-to-protect-women/
LESSONS &CHALLENGES
Some of the lessons learned that contributed to the success of the Stop-VAWIP campaign.
Partnering with governmental agencies with similar mandates like NOA, made the campaign reach a wider audience across the 23 LGAS in Rivers State.
• Getting influencers, Political parties and security agencies to demonstrate support by signing commitment forms. • The use of existing platforms by GADA, NOA LGA Coordinators and women community Mobilisers made it cost effective and easy to reach out to the target at short intervals. • The combination of actors in the service hub who gave an immediate response to cases and followed up with the survivors gave the campaign rousing visibility. • The project as impactful as it was s had short funding with no -post-election support/funding • Running the campaign close to the election was quite a challenge in getting the required attention of electoral stakeholders especially the political party leadership, candidates, INEC and security agencies • Most of the advocacy visits were canceled due to pressing assignments of these stakeholders
• The sensitization activities done on local languages during different News times by the Rivers State Television Authority reached a wider range of the public. • Our radio discussion programs and jingles aired to reach out to different types of targets. The hotline also provided a means for callers to clarify gray areas.
• Electorates willingness to engage in promoting Women’s participation in the electoral process was culled from the fact that they understood the benefits and received the necessary knowledge and tools to work with
PROGRESS REPORT/PROJECT SUSTAINABILITY
• The Stop VAWIP campaign equipped and established a partnership between Civil Society organizations and State government agencies on GOTV/Stop VAWIP behavioral change advocacy
• It also evaluated how Stop-VAWIP data can contribute to measuring trends of violence in any State
• It arouse an unusual commitment amongst Stop VAWIP service providers who on voluntary basis were able to set up the Survivors service centre for the gubernatorial polls and encouraged Rivers State government during a press release to pass a legislation that protects the participation of women in politics and set –up a service centre to provide services to women survivors
4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are made in view of the lessons learned.
Recommendations
1. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is hereby called upon to conclude the elections in all areas where elections were not held to ensure that the electorate, especially women, are not disenfranchised. 2. We urge security agents to put all measures in place for the protection of the electorate especially women and ensure that all perpetrators of violence are apprehended and duly prosecuted in order to deter further occurrence. 3. Political parties should formulate policies to checkmate violence against women within their parties. And guide party activist to adhere to the code of conduct of participating in elections. 4. Rivers state government should pass legislation that protects the participation of women in politics and set-up a service centerto provide services to women survivors.
5.0 CONCLUSION
The Stop-VAWIP Action Committee is committed to awareness raising, advocating for behavioral change, sensitizing citizens on gender-based violence (GBV), tracking and responding to cases of GBV, and improving women’s political participation in Rivers state. The Committee will also continue to encourage women’s participation in electoral and political processes.
Along with other participating stakeholders of the Stop-VAWIP Action Committee, including: NDI EECSP-partner GADA, the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Commission (NSCDC), International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), National Council of Women Society (NCWS), Medical Women Association Rivers State Branch, Ministry of Women Affairs. Others are Canaan Peace, Women and Community Development Initiative, Rivers State Partners for Peace, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) and Unity Market Women in Nigeria National Association of Women Journalists, Traditional and Faith-based leaders, Women’s groups and other civil society groups commit to fostering better women’s understanding of their roles in governance and enhance more voice and space for women’s participation in politics.
. https://guardian.ng/politics/edo-pdp-scores-inec-low-in-february-3- poll/http://www.sahelstandard.com/female-Victims-of-electoral-violence-inrivers-seek- legislation-to-protect-women/