Stakeholders in the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) have called for implementing gender laws, policies, and regulations in Sokoto.

The call was noted in a communique read by Rabi’u Gandi, an ACJL stakeholder, at the end of a two-day Stakeholders Policy Dialogue on Gender Accountability and Transparency organised by CLEEN Foundation in Sokoto.

Participants called for more efforts in addressing gender disparities in the criminal justice system regarding workforce, health conditions, career enhancement, and promotions.

They decried inadequate awareness of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Laws, as well as inadequate training for law enforcement agents on the importance of inculcating gender lens in discharging their responsibilities.

They called for developing an implementation strategy for gender justice and responsive initiatives to ensure the effective implementation of existing laws, policies, and regulations.

They agreed that implementing the recommendations in compliance with relevant laws would improve gender responsiveness and inclusivity in Sokoto.

Stakeholders also called for efforts to strengthen the existing systems for collecting, monitoring and reporting data related to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

They further called for more engagement in advocacy to relevant stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of gender equality initiatives.

Participants emphasised the need to constitute an Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee to be chaired by the chief judge of Sokoto to make it more functional.

They called for adequate budgetary provisions for ministries, departments, and agencies regarding the implementation of ACJL and relevant policies in the state.

They expressed concern over inadequate collaboration and synergy among law enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders in the state’s criminal justice system administration.

Earlier, in a welcome address, the acting executive director of CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma, said the administration of criminal justice is a cornerstone of any society, providing the framework for the rule of law, protection of rights, and upholding public trust.

(NAN)