by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Invites Applications for Programme Manager.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation made up of over 3,500 female lawyers with several years’ experience in utilizing the law to address social problems in Nigeria. The organization’s mandate is the enhancement, promotion, protection and preservation of the rights and welfare of women and children in Nigeria. FIDA Nigeria implements key projects and activities aimed at providing access to justice to indigent persons and addressing socio-cultural, political and economic structural imbalances that particularly affect women and children.
FIDA Nigeria is seeking to fill the vacant position of Programme Manager.
Location: FCT Abuja
Vacancy Type: Permanent, full-time
Start Date: January 10, 2022
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership on the implementation of donor funded projects.
- Preparation and review of grant/funding proposals to prospective donors.
- Preparation, supervision and review of reports (internal and external).
- Coordination and supervision of Secretariat and project staff nationwide.
- Collaborate with staff and FIDA state branches to ensure successful project implementation and proactively deal with arising challenges, nuances or changes in project implementation.
- Contribute to the adherence to donor/grant requirements, including financial standards.
- Collaborate with the finance staff to ensure management of financial records, including the provision of complete documentation for requests and retirements.
- Support the smooth and effective flow of communication with FIDA states’ branches, by maintaining regular contact, providing required information, etc.
- Ensure effective follow-up of communication with donors, partners, including official letters, requests for technical assistance, and the process of identifying participants and national experts, including trainers, for activities under projects.
- Advise the National Executive Committee and other project staff of local considerations and realities for proper and effective project implementation, as well as on ways to strengthen partnerships with stakeholders and relevant institutions.
- Represent, with approval from the Country Vice President and National Secretary; the organisation at meetings, workshops and similar events and provide reports to the National Executive Committee.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the National President/Country Vice President, the National Secretary and other National Officers.
The successful candidate will carry out the following tasks:
- Under the supervision of the National Executive Committee, provide technical leadership on the implementation of the project in the state.
- Plan and implement project activities in close collaboration with the resident FIDA state branches and proactively deal with arising challenges, nuances or changes.
- In collaboration with the national executive committee; develop and maintain stakeholder and network relationships which are essential to the successful implementation of the project.
- Develop and prepare project and activity reports, technical briefings, background papers and update notes for the project in the state.
- Contribute to the adherence to donor/grant requirements, including financial standards.
- Collaborate with the accounts staff to ensure the proper management of financial records, including the provision of complete documentation for requests and retirements.
- Support the smooth and effective flow of communication with FIDA Nigeria and the state branch.
- Support the other project staff in following-up communication with partners, including official letters, requests for technical assistance and the process of identifying participants and national experts, including trainers, for activities under the project.
- Represent (with approval from the national executive) the organization at meetings, workshops, etc., and report back to the respective persons.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the National Executive Committee.
Competencies
- Professionalism:
- Demonstrates professional competence in women and children’s rights and rule of law as well as, knowledge of related policies and practices at the national, regional and international levels;
- Demonstrates good understanding of the Ford Foundation funded project to mitigate the incidence of gender-based violence, through community-led change, by altering the social norms, beliefs and traditional practices that subjugate women and girls in the target communities.
- Demonstrates knowledge of programme management cycle, including monitoring and reporting;
- Ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues with a display of persistency;
- Commitment and passion for work and achievements;
- Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results;
- Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
- Display of persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges and ability to remain calm in stressful situations;
- Ability to incorporate gender and child rights perspectives in projects and activities and in ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
2. Teamwork:
- Proven interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
- Ability to collaborate with colleagues within and outside of FIDA Nigeria to achieve organizational goals;
- Ability to solicit inputs by genuinely valuing the ideas and expertise of others;
- Willingness to learn from others;
- Support and act in accordance with team and organizational decisions;
3. Planning & Organizing:
- Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate, and monitor work while prioritizing competing demands;
- Ability to work on tight deadlines;
- Knowledge and skill on how to develop clear goals consistent with agreed strategies;
- Foresight for risks and contingencies when planning;
- Ability to monitor and adjust plans and projects as necessary;
- Ability to use time efficiently.
4. Communication:
- Ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively with a range of audiences, including ability to prepare reports and make presentations in a variety of fora;
- Ability to conduct presentations by clearly formulating positions on issues, articulating options concisely, conveying maximum necessary information as well as making and defending recommendations.
Job Requirements
1. Experience:
- 7 years’ work experience in any of the thematic areas of sexual and gender-based violence; gender equality and social inclusion; democracy and governance; women and youth empowerment; and trafficking in persons and human rights.
- Experience in project implementation.
- Certification in project management is desireable.
2. Education:
Master’s degree in any of the following: Law, Political Science, Development Studies, International Relations or any discipline in the Social Sciences.
3. Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English & any prominent local language spoken in the state is desirable.
Qualified candidates should fill the google form via: https://bit.ly/3H2VMAD
Deadline: January 3, 2022.
Interested and qualified candidates should apply using this link:
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria invites Applications for Programme Officer
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is a non-profit, non-governmental organization made up of over 3,500 female lawyers with several years’ experience in utilizing the law to address social problems in Nigeria. The organization’s mandate is the enhancement, promotion, protection, and preservation of the rights and welfare of women and children in Nigeria FIDA Nigeria implements key projects and activities aimed at providing access to justice to indigent persons, particularly women and children.
FIDA Nigeria is recruiting to fill the position below:
Job title: Programme Officer
Locations: Bauchi, Katsina and Osun
Vacancy Type: One-year fixed-term, renewable
The individuals will work on the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funded program- Nigeria Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) project, with technical support from the Palladium Group. The program will focus on strengthening capacity and working with stakeholders to address social norms that encourage Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Child, Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM) in the community; and empowering (through capacity building) community paralegals to respond to incidences of SGBV, CEFM and trafficking in persons.
FIDA will prioritize the identification of local civil society organizations and community-based organizations for the purpose of strengthening their capacity to respond to victims/survivors psychosocial needs, legal aid drive and key prevention interventions aimed at curbing SGBV, CEFM, TIP and related abuses that affect vulnerable groups.
The programme officer will work under the overall guidance and supervision of FIDA Nigeria National President/Country Vice President, National Secretary and other National Executives, and report to them through the Programme Manager.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will carry out the following tasks:
- Under the supervision of the programme manager, provide technical leadership on the implementation of the project in the state.
- Plan and implement project activities in the state in close collaboration with the resident FIDA state branch and proactively deal with arising challenges, nuances or changes.
- In collaboration with the resident FIDA state branch, develop and maintain stakeholder and network relationships which are essential to the successful implementation of the project.
- Develop and prepare project and activity reports, technical briefings, background papers and update notes for the project in the state.
- Contribute to the adherence to donor/grant requirements, including financial standards.
- Collaborate with the accounts staff to ensure the proper management of financial records, including the provision of complete documentation for requests and retirements.
- Support the smooth and effective flow of communication with FIDA Nigeria and the state branch.
- Support the programme manager and other project staff in following-up communication with partners, including official letters, requests for technical assistance and the process of identifying participants and national experts, including trainers, for activities under the project.
- Represent (with approval from the branch chairperson and program manager) the state branch at meetings, workshops, etc., and report back to the respective persons.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the National Executive Committee, branch chairperson or programme manager.
Competencies
- Professionalism:
- Demonstrates professional competence in women and children’s rights and rule of law as well as, knowledge of related policies and practices at the national, regional and international levels;
- Demonstrates good understanding of the Ford Foundation-funded project to mitigate the incidence of gender-based violence, through community-led change, by altering the social norms, beliefs and traditional practices that subjugate women and girls in the target communities.
- Demonstrates knowledge of programme management cycle, including monitoring and reporting;
- Ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues with a display of persistency;
- Commitment and passion for work and achievements;
- Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results;
- Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
- Display of persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges and ability to remain calm in stressful situations;
- Ability to incorporate gender and child rights perspectives in projects and activities and in ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
2. Teamwork:
- Proven interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
- Ability to collaborate with colleagues within and outside of FIDA Nigeria to achieve organizational goals;
- Ability to solicit inputs by genuinely valuing the ideas and expertise of others;
- Willingness to learn from others;
- Support and act in accordance with team and organizational decisions;
3. Planning & Organizing:
- Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate, and monitor work while prioritizing competing demands;
- Ability to work on tight deadlines;
- Knowledge and skill on how to develop clear goals consistent with agreed strategies;
- Foresight for risks and contingencies when planning;
- Ability to monitor and adjust plans and projects as necessary;
- Ability to use time efficiently.
4. Communication:
- Ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively with a range of audiences, including ability to prepare reports and make presentations in a variety of fora;
- Ability to conduct presentations by clearly formulating positions on issues, articulating options concisely, conveying maximum necessary information as well as making and defending recommendations.
Job Requirements
1. Minimum required experience:
- 3 years’ work experience in the thematic areas of gender equality and social inclusion, trafficking in persons and human rights.
- Experience working in the criminal justice sector.
- Experience in project implementation.
2. Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following: Law, Political Science or any discipline in the Social Sciences.
3. Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English & any prominent local language spoken in the state is desirable.
Qualified candidates should send curriculum vitae and cover letter addressed to the Country Vice-President/National President to hr@fida.org.ng
Subject of e-mail should be “Application for the Position of Programme Officer [State]”. e.g., “Application for the Position of Program Officer (Bayelsa)”.
Deadline: December 21, 2021.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
by FIDAFIDA Demands Prompt Justice for Sylvester and Insists on A Complete Thorough and Objective Investigation into All Aspects of The Case
A most unfortunate death of a young twelve-year-old boy sent to school (Dowen College, Lagos) to be educated; where he should have been cared for and protected yet the system failed him and he died in suspicious circumstances.
It was with a rude shock that FIDA Nigeria viewed the video that has gone viral of Sylvester Oromoni Jr. who was purportedly bullied and tortured while in school eventually leading to his untimely death.
FIDA Nigeria has noticed that the trend of violence by and to children and youth in institutions of learning is becoming rampant and must be checked and stopped forthwith.
Reference is here made to the recent incident of a) 11-year-old Don Davies Archibong in Deeper Life High School, Idoro, Uyo Akwa Ibom State and b) 14-year-old, Keren-Happuch Aondodoo Akpagher, a Senior Secondary School (SSS1) student of Premiere Academy Lugbe, Abuja raped in her dormitory and so forth, who have suffered similar violence resulting in grievous injury and death
These terrible tales emanating from secondary schools across the nation are an indication of a failing system in dire need of overhauling. The grave situation must be addressed with utmost urgency
Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) clearly states that children have the right to be protected from physical and mental violence, neglect, sexual abuse and exploitation, while they are in the care of parents or any other person. Article 3 para. 2 gives the child the right to such protection and care as is necessary for his or her well-being
A child has the right to be protected from physical and mental violence, neglect, sexual abuse and exploitation, while they are in the care of parents or any other person. Article 3 para. 2 gives the child the right to such protection and care as is necessary for his or her well-being Article 19 UNCRC. They are vulnerable and must be protected
Child’s Rights Act (CRA) 2003 also provide and protect the rights of a Nigerian child
As all well-meaning Nigerians mourn this terrible death of Sylvester, FIDA Nigeria joins in condoling with the family over this great and unfortunate loss of a young child with great promise for a bright future
FIDA joins in shouting out against this evil trend of corporal punishment, bullying and the maltreatment of children in institutions of learning; This evil trend must stop NOW!
As we carry out 16 days of activism on ending violence in our communities NOW, it is clear from our schools’ outreaches in the different states that the educational system needs quick intervention as vulnerable children (even in schools) suffer great violence from persons of authority over them and indeed fellow schoolmates. The Educational sector is failing and there is an urgent need to address it immediately.
FIDA categorically states that the total well-being of our children matters and education Is not just about getting excellent grades and the economic benefits that accrue to institutions, but about balancing academic performance against good character formation. Attention must also be paid to addressing forthwith the issue of cultism and fraternities in our schools, the system must be sanitized
FIDA demands:
– Prompt justice for Sylvester and insists on a complete thorough and objective investigation into all aspects of the case, (and indeed other recently reported cases), to determine the culpability of management, the truants involved and so forth, such that no one is shielded from investigation or punishment
– that the Ministry of Education must take responsibility and act quickly in promptly addressing key issues affecting schools generally.
– the Federal and State Government should overhaul the educational facilities/ system with a view to instilling high morals and other standards, which will deter evil actors of crimes such as this.
– parents working with schools should be proactive to teach and insist on good values, integrity and good character but above all, respect and dignity for persons (even as children) rather than shielding them
– proper and effective medical support in schools including psychological assessment for the well-being of a child in school. A child should not be so frightened that he/she cannot lodge a report to school authorities or parents
– comprehensive school policies must be immediately put in place to tackle such key issues, with protective brackets at different levels for the vulnerable children, rather than a situation of ignoring and covering up reports
– Set high standards of operations in institutions with requisite checks and balances which are imperative
May God grant the soul of Sylvester and indeed all the vulnerable children who have died in such similar circumstances perfect rest (Amen).
FIDA Nigeria strongly condemns the dastardly act against Sylvester; and
Encourages children to Speak Out
We demand justice for Sylvester Oromoni Jr.
Signed for FIDA Nigeria:
Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs)
Country Vice/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Christiana Oyanvutu Adejumo
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria invites Applications for Programme Officer
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation made up of over 3,500 female lawyers with several years’ experience in utilizing the law to address social problems in Nigeria. The organization’s mandate is the enhancement, promotion, protection and preservation of the rights and welfare of women and children in Nigeria FIDA Nigeria implements key projects and activities aimed at providing access to justice to indigent persons, particularly women and children.
FIDA Nigeria is recruiting to fill the position below:
Job title: Programme Officer
Locations: Bayelsa, Kano, Rivers
Vacancy Type: One-year fixed term, renewable
The individual will work on the MacArthur Foundation funded project – “Strengthening Collaboration Among Criminal Justice Actors to Deepen the Criminal Justice Architecture to Ensure the Effective Implementation of the ACJA/ ACJLS”. The project seeks to strengthen the collaboration between the Bar, Bench, Correctional Service and the Nigerian Police Force to institutionalize the gains of the network which was created in Phase One of the project, and to ensure the effective implementation of the ACJA/ ACJLs in the focal states through engagements and with members of the network, the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committees (ACJMCs) and other criminal justice actors/stakeholders.
The programme officer will work under the overall guidance and supervision of FIDA Nigeria National President/Country Vice President, National Secretary and other National Executives, and report to them through the Programme Manager.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will carry out the following tasks:
- Under the supervision of the programme manager, provide technical leadership on the implementation of the project in the state.
- Plan and implement project activities in the state in close collaboration with the resident FIDA state branch and proactively deal with arising challenges, nuances or changes.
- In collaboration with the resident FIDA state branch, develop and maintain stakeholder and network relationships which are essential to the successful implementation of the project.
- Develop and prepare project and activity reports, technical briefings, background papers and update notes for the project in the state.
- Contribute to the adherence to donor/grant requirements, including financial standards.
- Collaborate with the accounts staff to ensure the proper management of financial records, including the provision of complete documentation for requests and retirements.
- Support the smooth and effective flow of communication with FIDA Nigeria and the state branch.
- Support the programme manager and other project staff in following-up communication with partners, including official letters, requests for technical assistance and the process of identifying participants and national experts, including trainers, for activities under the project.
- Represent (with approval from the branch chairperson and program manager) the state branch at meetings, workshops, etc., and report back to the respective persons.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the National Executive Committee, branch chairperson or programme manager.
Competencies
- Professionalism:
- Demonstrates professional competence in women and children’s rights and rule of law as well as, knowledge of related policies and practices at the national, regional and international levels;
- Demonstrates good understanding of the Ford Foundation funded project to mitigate the incidence of gender-based violence, through community-led change, by altering the social norms, beliefs and traditional practices that subjugate women and girls in the target communities.
- Demonstrates knowledge of programme management cycle, including monitoring and reporting;
- Ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues with a display of persistency;
- Commitment and passion for work and achievements;
- Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results;
- Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
- Display of persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges and ability to remain calm in stressful situations;
- Ability to incorporate gender and child rights perspectives in projects and activities and in ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
2. Teamwork:
- Proven interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
- Ability to collaborate with colleagues within and outside of FIDA Nigeria to achieve organizational goals;
- Ability to solicit inputs by genuinely valuing the ideas and expertise of others;
- Willingness to learn from others;
- Support and act in accordance with team and organizational decisions;
3. Planning & Organizing:
- Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate, and monitor work while prioritizing competing demands;
- Ability to work on tight deadlines;
- Knowledge and skill on how to develop clear goals consistent with agreed strategies;
- Foresight for risks and contingencies when planning;
- Ability to monitor and adjust plans and projects as necessary;
- Ability to use time efficiently.
4. Communication:
- Ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively with a range of audiences, including ability to prepare reports and make presentations in a variety of fora;
- Ability to conduct presentations by clearly formulating positions on issues, articulating options concisely, conveying maximum necessary information as well as making and defending recommendations.
Job Requirements
1. Minimum required experience:
- 3 years’ work experience in advocacy for legal reform, human rights, governance and anti-corruption legislation.
- Experience working in the criminal justice sector.
- Experience in project implementation.
2. Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following: Law, Political Science or any discipline in the Social Sciences.
3. Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English & any prominent local language spoken in the state is desirable.
Qualified candidates should send curriculum vitae and cover letter addressed to the Country Vice-President/National President to hr@fida.org.ng
Subject of e-mail should be “Application for the Position of Programme Officer [State]”. e.g., “Application for the Position of Program Officer (Kano)”.
Deadline: December 17, 2021.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
by FIDADay 4 FIDA Nigeria AGC
On Saturday, 27th of November, 2021; the day’s activity began with physical exercise to help members keep fit.
This was followed by the AGM proper where reports were presented and adopted showcasing the quantum leaps in FIDA in the past three years of operations. The executive committee led by Rhoda Prevail Tyoden took a bow as their tenure ended with accolades. Elections were held afterward to constitute the new executive committee.
The day ended with an award night/dinner held at M&M Event center Abuja. Awards were presented to outstanding and deserving individuals and branches. While the newly elected National Executive took their oath of office and were formally inaugurated.
by FIDADay 3 FIDA Nigeria AGC
On the 26th of November, 2021, FIDA Nigeria began her activities with an Advocacy Walk to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation in commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The walk was led by the Country Vice President, with representatives of all branches in attendance. The representative of the AGF warmly received FIDA’s message delivered by the CVP promising to attend to the request. The National Publicity Secretary, Eliana Martins, gave the vote of thanks on behalf of FIDA.
The afternoon session for the day had four focus areas for discussion with plenaries.
- Using mediation as a tool in handling Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) anchored by Rosemary Chikwendi
- Honing litigation skills for efficiency in handling Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) anchored by Ogechi Abu
- Leveraging technology for efficiency in handling Sexual and Gender-based Violence, speaker Jude Ifesemen
- FIDA and the Protection of Women’s Rights: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (an integral discourse). Speaker Chimdy Onyedim-Etuwewe
This was followed with the Jummat prayer.
A novelty football match between Y.C Maikyau Strikers Vs FIDA Nigeria Babes at the King Turf Arena (Panorama Gardens Al-Fayyum street, Wuse Zone 3 Abuja). FIDA Babes emerged victorious bringing the trophy home with the score 4-1
Later that evening was a variety night where fidans dressed in their cultural attires entertained and were also entertained by a cultural troupe from Jos Plateau State.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Press Conference Commemorating the 16 Days of Activism 2021
In what can be termed an auspicious moment, FIDA Nigeria commenced the commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism with the theme “Orange the World: End Violence Against Women NOW” by holding a press conference on the 25th of November 2021, at Zeus Paradise Hotel. The Press Conference also heralded FIDA Nigeria’s Annual General Conference
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria AGC Opening Ceremony
On Thursday, 25th of November, 2021; the official opening ceremony of the AGC commenced with an opening remark delivered by the Country Vice President, Rhoda Prevail Tyoden. She declared that “the tools for addressing gender equality and women’s empowerment” have to be pursued relentlessly for a just and equal society, as this has been acknowledged as an important objective for many decades.
In attendance were Hon. Justices, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Heads of Parastatals, Officials from the Nigerian Police – Force Gender Officer, NAPTIP, Country Representatives of FIDA, Donors/Partners, The NBA Secretary, Civil Society Organizations, FIDA International Officers, FIDA Nigeria Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee & National Executive Council
The Opening ceremony was followed by a Plenary Session Stakeholders Hub with the topic: Charting New Means of Ensuring Implementation of Gender-Based Laws with discussants from the Ministry of Women Affairs, NAPTIP, WRAPA, Nigeria Police Force (Gender Desk) Concluding with a plenary session.
In the evening members attended a delightful event called a “Night out with the CVP”
It was colorful, with lots to eat and drink, entertaining and filled with fun and laughter as members toasted to the CVP and to FIDIA Nigeria
#fidaagc2021 #fidanigeria
by FIDA16 Days of Activism 2021
Theme: “Orange the World: End Violence Against Women NOW!
FIDA Nigeria joins the world in commemorating the annual 16 Days Activism on ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with a lineup of several activities, commencing from 25th November to 10th December 2021 which is the Human Rights Day.
Violence against Women and Girls is a clear gross violation of their fundamental human rights. It is a global health and developmental issue that cuts across economic wealth, culture, religion, age, and sexual orientation. Furthermore, it is one of the most extreme expressions of unequal gender relations in our society, accordingly it remains a critical factor for the optimum contribution and development of women and girls in our society.
Women and the girl child are subjected in many climes to live and survive in domestic settings that threaten their very existence and proper development. The Covid-19 Pandemic showed more than ever that women are the most disadvantaged in the society, as the pandemic fueled an exponential increase in VAWG through domestic and physical abuse, rape, psychological abuse, FGM, early marriage etc.
Estimates published by WHO indicate that globally about 1 in 3 (30%) of women worldwide have been subjected to either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime, these statistics are certainly worrisome and cannot be ignored.
We acknowledge that the theme is apt and appreciate the emphasis on ending the violence NOW, stressing the urgency required and emphasize that all persons are born free, equal and must be respected and protected. As such women and indeed girls must be kept safe from all forms of violence
FIDA appreciates the serious nature of the issue at hand, and salutes all front liners for their service, commitment and sacrifice, as we equally empathize with all victims and survivors daily exposed to these heinous crimes and acknowledge the supportive roles played by key actors and stakeholders in ending this atrocious crime. The declaration of a State of Emergency by the Federal Government on the 11th of June 2020 was a further great accomplishment for all activists, which led to the adoption of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015 in more states of the federation thereby ensuring that we are equipped with the necessary laws.
FIDA Nigeria greatly stepped up her intervention efforts at curbing the high rate of GBV, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown by engaging in different proactive programs and strategies, such as reviewed case management, economic empowerment, provision of shelter, provision of adequate referral pathways for survivors, and most especially provision of legal aid and quick access to justice for survivors.
Worthy of note was our partnership with UN Women to implement the Spotlight Initiative Project on Eliminating all forms of Violence Against Women and Girls with a particular focus on sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices. With this, we created awareness by carrying out targeted advocacy and the resultant effect was increase in reported GBV cases and the handling of such cases. Also, In partnership with Ford Foundation, FIDA Nigeria is working with Gatekeepers including Women Leaders, Youth, Religious Leaders and Traditional Rulers to Address Social Norms that Negatively Affect the Status of Women and Entrench Violence Against Women and Girls: The project is aimed at mitigating the incidence of GBV in two communities each in Ekiti, Lagos, and Plateau states by altering the social norms, beliefs, and traditional practices in the target communities through community-led change
Our Paralegal training project is self-funded by FIDA Nigeria and is being implemented in all our state branches across the federation which is aimed at bringing our services closer to the people and getting them involved in the fight to end violence against women and girls.
FIDA therefore draws the attention all stakeholders to the following as deserving prompt action: Spousal/Domestic Abuse; Workplace Abuse (in formal and informal sectors) and Violence in institutions as we commend the National Assembly for the law against harassment in our higher institutions and the recently launched sexual harassment policy of the Nigerian Bar Association.
The urgent need arises for shared responsibility, improved tactics, response strategies, collaborations, this is the crux of our discussion at our annual General Conference holding from 24th to 29th of November 2021, with the theme Addressing Gender-Based Violence: New Tools
In the prevention and elimination of VAW and Girls we must increase awareness and advocacy efforts; Sharing knowledge, intervention strategies and innovations are also a must. Institutions and communities must therefore be proactive and develop policies that prevent and deal forthwith with abuse to act as a deterrent
Furthermore, FIDA Nigeria drove advocacy efforts in the West African sub-region through the publication of a policy brief on “The urgent need to address the gendered impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Women and Girls in West African Commonwealth countries” targeted at Legislators and the Executive members of Governments to act fast in ending the violence against women and girls in the region.
This call remains a desideratum as the rate of violence still escalates, and is still at an all-time high due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on women and girls which is fueled by patriarchy and misogyny. We must stress here Community challenges such as cultural and traditional practices which perpetuate gender inequality and abuse. These must all be stopped NOW
Putting an end to gender-based violence and discrimination is a global priority that requires collective action, consequently, as the world marks this year’s 16 days of Activism against gender-based violence, FIDA Nigeria calls on all stakeholders to collectively join hands together in the Orange the world activism campaign through mass sensitization, prevention, protection and enforcement measures to ensure the Elimination of these ills in our society, we believe that the protection of survivors of GBV; the accelerated adoption of the VAPP Act, the Child Rights Act in all States, and the review of the Penal Code to be in tandem with the VAPP Act will greatly aid this call.
We insist on the enforcement and implementation of all legislation related to gender-based violence which should be followed to the later and encourage stakeholders to collaborate and develop implementation emergency response plans just as we appeal for better continuous Community and Sector dialogue with planned practical activities to foster improved interventions
We emphasize immediate action NOW
Join us let’s Orange the World, let us work together to End violence against women NOW!
In all of this, FIDA Nigeria remains committed to the fight to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence, we shall continue to advance the cause, fund and support programs, respond to calls, and take early leads in the prevention of all forms of GBV against the vulnerable in society. We strongly believe that if women are not safe, they cannot grow healthy as such cannot provide the requisite care needed by their families (the resultant effect is dysfunctional families); nor can women likewise positively contribute to the growth and development of their communities.
FIDA Nigeria’s commitment remains resolute in the protection, promotion and preservation of the rights of women and children, and will continue to provide free legal representation and advice to survivors of GBV in Nigeria.
Support this worthy fight, March with us
Speak out with us, collaborate with us for
Joint action to stand together and fight together NOW!
#EndViolenceAgainstWomenNow
#RespectNotRape
#StopTheCultureOfSilence
#StopAllFormsOfViolence
#NoMeansNo
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria AGC Cocktail Party
The FIDA Nigeria Annual General Conference (AGC) kick-started with a welcome cocktail held at Sentosa Parks & Garden, Apo, FCT Abuja on the 24th of November 2021. The cocktail began at about 6 pm. Fidans from over 38 branches in attendance were warmly welcomed to Abuja by the host branch FIDA Abuja, represented by the Chairperson, Rekia Racheal Adejo-Andrew. The evening was relaxing with refreshments and dance.
