International Women’s Day 2020

“I Am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights,”

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate the International Women’s Day 2020!

We declare that women all over the world are priceless, strong, focused and multi-talented beings who hold society together and deserve to be celebrated every day! But most of all, they deserve to enjoy their basic rights.

Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable society. We will achieve it when both women and men alike enjoy the same rights and opportunities across all sectors of society. 

Nigerian women must be allowed to enjoy greater economic empowerment and participation; more opportunities in leadership positions and decision-making, better opportunities for a girl child education, more women in political appointments, and women allowed to inherit and own property to mention a few.

It is also key that the different behaviors, aspirations and needs of women and men are valued, favored and allowed to grow and flourish. Women can be anything they so desire without limitation and should not be stifled by stereotyping and old labor laws that are limiting and discriminatory against women.

Challenges still exist despite the enactment of relevant new laws such as Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 (ACJA), The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 (VAPP), as we see challenges in implementing the laws, in creating enabling structures to ensure the effective implementation of women’s rights.

Human rights are tools of dignity and equality and are to be enjoyed by all human beings at all times irrespective of sex, race, color, religion, or language. 

Women’s rights are likewise fundamental human rights as enshrined 70 years ago by the United Nations for every human being on the planet and guaranteed by our Nigerian Constitution.

This year’s IWD theme aligns with the UN Women’s new multi-generational campaign ‘Generation Equality’; 

This year, we mark the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. FIDA congratulates all women for the successes recorded so far; and also encourages all stakeholders because though we have accomplished much, a lot more remains to be achieved. 

Therefore, we must continue to engage, discuss, collaborate and review ways of further promoting gender equality in our country, while setting new standards on practical ways for greater forward growth.

Despite great strides made towards attaining gender equality, there is ample evidence to show that much more needs to still be done in the aspect of living free from violence and discrimination; education; to own property; vote, and to earn a fair wage and enjoy political appointments. 

We remember with dismay the recent attacks on the character and invasion of privacy of the Hon Justice Mary Odili, JSC because of a judgement delivered by a panel she headed and more recently the infringement of human rights and discrimination against the Hon. Justice Akon Ikpeme by her non appointment as the substantive Chief judge of Cross River State. These are successful women who have reached the pinnacle of their careers yet their basic rights are still denied or infringed upon. 

On the other hand, we acknowledge the progress recorded in stopping harmful practices such as child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), there is still much work to be done to completely eliminate such practices.

FIDA Nigeria, in line with Goal 5 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), pledges to continue diligently with her objective and mission in the hope that succor will come to women in achieving gender equality, empowerment and the enjoyment of basic human rights.

FIDA Nigeria, therefore, calls for:

*Full implementation of the newly enacted laws which promote gender parity and the putting in place of facilities, machinery and structures enabling the implementation of the laws.

* The Review of old laws which limit the roles women play in the labor market

* A greater gender balance all around, at all levels and in all its ramifications. This is absolutely necessary because of the great benefits which will accrue to our communities and nation. 

* Economic empowerment of women to secure their homes and ensure the survival of their children;

* Guaranteed women involvement in key institutions at all levels of government, including peace-building institutions

* The passage of gender-friendly legislation in Nigeria.

Gender balance will greatly benefit our society because everyone would be carried along, and given equal opportunities, rights and benefits. Peace and social justice will reign in our society and consequently, we would be a highly productive and progressive nation which is inclusive in all respects

Let’s work together to realize the enjoyment of women’s rights 

“Women’s Rights are Human Rights”

“Promote Women’s Rights”

“Promote Human Rights”

#BalanceforBetter 

#GenerationEquality 

Rhoda Prevail Tyoden                                                         

Country Vice President/National President                         

FIDA Nigeria                   

Eliana Martins

National Publicity Secretary

FIDA Nigeria