From our news desk, Benin
The Edo State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has taken the lead in efforts to strengthen the State’s legal framework against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), with the commencement of the review of the Edo State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, 2021.
Daisy Osunde, the director of media in the Ministry, made this known in a press release circulated amongst journalists in Benin on Thursday.
It was stated that the first meeting of the Technical Working Group (TWG) convened by the Ministry in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, focused on a comprehensive review of the existing law and the need to address emerging forms of violence, particularly Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TF-GBV).
In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah represented by the Director of Women Affairs, Mrs. Florence Nwaozor, said the TWG was inaugurated on August 17, 2026 to undertake a holistic review of the law, identify implementation gaps and ensure its alignment with current national standards.
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She said the group’s mandate included a section-by-section review of the 2021 law, strengthening provisions on victim protection and access to justice, improving sanctions for perpetrators, and ensuring a gender-responsive and survivor-centred review process.
Presenting the proposed amendments, RoLAC Programme Officer, Imonitie Omokhodion explained that the objective was to strengthen the existing VAPP Law without repealing it.
As he noted that the proposed amendments would address emerging offences facilitated by technology and digital platforms, which were not adequately captured in the 2021 legislation.
According to him, proposed changes include; an expanded definition of consent, clearer provisions on digital evidence and technology-driven abuse, and harmonisation of penalties for offences which includes rape and gang rape.
He explained that the review would retain the existing numbering of the law while introducing new sub-sections, such as Sections 4A and 31A, to accommodate additional provisions without disrupting sections that remain unchanged, the press release said.
Further, it was stated; that the meeting also provided an opportunity for members of the TWG and other stakeholders to submit specific proposals on identified gaps and areas requiring strengthening before the draft amendment bill is finalised; and presented to the Edo State House of Assembly.
While the initiative underscores the commitment of the Edo State Government to strengthen laws and institutional mechanisms for the protection of women and vulnerable persons; and improving access to justice for survivors of Gender-Based Violence, (GBV).
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