FIDA Holds DFATD Supported Project Inception Meeting
FIDA Nigeria, Plateau State Branch with the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, Canada (“DFATD'”), following the flag off of the project on Promoting the Inclusion of Women in Peace Building and Conflict Mitigation Across Communities in Plateau State held an inception meeting.
The meeting which was held on the 4th and 6th of September in Kwok Community, Barkin Ladi LGA and Ta-Hoss Community, Riyom LGA of the state availed stakeholders an opportunity to discuss the prevalence of conflict across the respective communities.
FIDA Nigeria was further able to obtain stakeholders commitment and buy-in on the objectives and goals of the project at the meeting
Call For Expression of Interest
Call For Expression of Interest to Develop a Training Manual For Election Observers Groups, Young Women Groups On Policy Influencing & Campaigning, Monitoring, Documentation & Reportage Of Violence Against Women During Elections.
Introduction
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is a non-profit, non-governmental organization made up of over 4,000 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.
Background
Women constitute a powerful electorate with millions of votes. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigerian women signaled their intention to make their voices heard in the 2019 election, accounting for about 47.14 per cent (39,598,645 million) of the 84,004.084 million registered voters nationwide. In 2015, three million, six hundred and sixty-seven thousand, and seventy-six (3,667,076) housewives voted in the presidential election, placing next to students (4,480,708) and civil servants (4,628,433). Similarly, housewives rank third on the list of registered voters by group in the 2019 election. They represented 14.10 per cent of the total registered voters by group, next to farmers/fishers (16.23 per cent) and students (26.57 per cent). This figure does not include the millions of women across the various other groups
However, inspite of this progress recorded, Women’s participation in the elective positions has been minimal and has multi-dimensional implications for the democratic project in Nigeria and for the continuing quest for gender equality in Africa’s biggest economy. The 2019 elections was the sixth consecutive general elections since the beginning of the fourth republic in 1999. This marks what is undoubtedly a measure of democratic progress, if only for conducting periodic elections since the return to civil rule. What remains deeply in doubt, however, is how inclusive this progress has been and, in particular, to what extent women have benefited from the democratic dividend of equality and fairness. With gender issues and women’s political and economic empowerment taking center stage on the global arena, Nigeria appears intent on maintaining its position at the bottom of the ladder of women’s political empowerment. Recent data indicates that women’s rates of participation in formal decision making remain one of the lowest on the continent and across the world with women occupying an abysmal 5.6 per cent (86 out of 1534) of all elective positions at both the national and subnational levels.
The lack of inclusive participation of women and youth in the political affairs and governance is alarming. Women and youths who constitute a critical population are aloof or less involved in politics and governance. They are not also proactively demanding for accountability from the government and governmental actors. Participation of the majority of the youths and women in politics and electioneering takes the form of vote buying & selling during elections. The monetization of the electoral process makes it very expensive and difficult for credible persons in the communities, particularly women & youths to aspire for political party offices and general elective positions.
Essential to women participation is the eradication of political violence, in other words, it is of paramount importance to condense political violence before and after elections so that women can fully participate in elections[1]. In the same degree The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) states that, elections have triggered outbreaks of violence in which women and girls were victimized. In others instances violence against women has been a tool of political harassment and intimidation of female election candidates. In addition, female voters continue to be disproportionately affected by various forms of election-related violence or threats of violence which has the effect of keeping them away from the polling stations more than male voters.
Purpose of Consultancy
As the countdown to 2023 General Elections emerges, The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria with support from UNWomen will implement her intervention tilted improving women participation in Nigeria across four focal states namely Kwara (North Central), Borno (North East), Plateau (North Central) and Kaduna (North West). The project aims to mitigate violence against women in elections through collaborative and systemic approach with Stakeholders such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, Security agencies, the Electoral institute and other credible organization. We will through our various interventionist approaches aim at improving the participation of women at the general elections by strengthening the capacity of selected networks, institutions, electoral bodies, and oversight mechanisms to better prevent and respond to VAWP, SGBV and other forms of VAW” that may deter female electorates towards exercising their franchise at the polls across the four project states of, Borno, Kwara, Kaduna, Plateau States. Based on the above, FIDA Nigeria is seeking to engage a consultant to develop a training manual on policy influencing, campaigning, Monitoring, Documentation & Reportage of incidences of violence against women.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be tasked to develop a comprehensive manual with thefollowing tepical sessions: Policy Influencing, Building Strategic Advocacy/colloborations, Introduction/Purpose of observation, reporting and documentation of election violence against women Session, Method of observation, reporting and documentation of election violence against women (Pre, During and After the Elections), Code of Conduct and Guidelines for election observers of violence against women, checklist for Election Observers Of violence against Women Covering three segments of the Elections (Poll Opening, Simultaneous Accreditation and Voting, Result Collation/Announcement and developing a strong domestic election observers, reporters and documenters of election violence against women.
Review and Validation of the Training Manual
In collaboration with the Project Team, the Programme Manager shall review and validate all contents of the training manual. A proposed training manual outline and method for teaching each topic/chapter shall be submitted to fidanigeria@yahoo.com. The training materials developed must be delivered to the National Programme Manager on a date not later than the deadline for submission via email on fidanigeria@yahoo.com.
Requirements
The applicant should be a national or international
educational, research, think-tank, NGO or any relevant organization with the
expertise and reputation of developing training manuals in peace building and
conflict resolution.
Duration
The assignment is for a period of five weeks from the date of
signing the contract.
Fees
The fees for this assignment is subject to negotiation with the selected individual.
How to apply
Qualified candidates should send curriculum vitae and cover letter detailing relevant experiences to the addressed to the Country Vice-President/National President to hr@fida.org.ng or fidanigeria@yahoo.com
Subject of e-mail should be “Application for Consultancy to develop a training Manual”
Deadline: Applications should be submitted on or
before 10th October 2022.
[1] Sibonokuhle Ndlovu, Sani Boniface Mutale, ‘Emerging Trends in Women’s Participation in Politics in Africa’ American International Journal of Contemporary Research Vol. 3 No. 11; November 2013. P.72-79
FIDA Nigeria Invites Application for a Consultant
Call For Expression of Interest to Develop A Training Manual For Law Enforcement Agencies On Prevention And Response To Violence Against Women During Elections, Gender And Disability Protection Approach In Policing Elections.
Introduction
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is a non-profit, non-governmental organization made up of over 4,000 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.
Background
Women constitute a powerful electorate with millions of votes. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigerian women signaled their intention to make their voices heard in the 2019 election, accounting for about 47.14 per cent (39,598,645 million) of the 84,004.084 million registered voters nationwide. In 2015, three million, six hundred and sixty-seven thousand, and seventy-six (3,667,076) housewives voted in the presidential election, placing next to students (4,480,708) and civil servants (4,628,433). Similarly, housewives rank third on the list of registered voters by group in the 2019 election. They represented 14.10 per cent of the total registered voters by group, next to farmers/fishers (16.23 per cent) and students (26.57 per cent). This figure does not include the millions of women across the various other groups
However, inspite of this progress recorded, Women’s participation in the elective positions has been minimal and has multi-dimensional implications for the democratic project in Nigeria and for the continuing quest for gender equality in Africa’s biggest economy. The 2019 elections was the sixth consecutive general elections since the beginning of the fourth republic in 1999. This marks what is undoubtedly a measure of democratic progress, if only for conducting periodic elections since the return to civil rule. What remains deeply in doubt, however, is how inclusive this progress has been and, in particular, to what extent women have benefited from the democratic dividend of equality and fairness. With gender issues and women’s political and economic empowerment taking center stage on the global arena, Nigeria appears intent on maintaining its position at the bottom of the ladder of women’s political empowerment. Recent data indicates that women’s rates of participation in formal decision making remain one of the lowest on the continent and across the world with women occupying an abysmal 5.6 per cent (86 out of 1534) of all elective positions at both the national and subnational levels.
The lack of inclusive participation of women and youth in the political affairs and governance is alarming. Women and youths who constitute a critical population are aloof or less involved in politics and governance. They are not also proactively demanding for accountability from the government and governmental actors. Participation of the majority of the youths and women in politics and electioneering takes the form of vote buying & selling during elections. The monetization of the electoral process makes it very expensive and difficult for credible persons in the communities, particularly women & youths to aspire for political party offices and general elective positions.
Essential to women participation is the eradication of political violence, in other words, it is of paramount importance to condense political violence before and after elections so that women can fully participate in elections . In the same degree The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) states that, elections have triggered outbreaks of violence in which women and girls were victimized. In others instances violence against women has been a tool of political harassment and intimidation of female election candidates. In addition, female voters continue to be disproportionately affected by various forms of election-related violence or threats of violence which has the effect of keeping them away from the polling stations more than male voters.
Purpose of Consultancy
As the countdown to 2023 General Elections emerges, The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria with support from UNWomen will implement her intervention tilted toward improving women’s participation in Nigeria across four focal states namely Kwara (North Central), Borno (North East), Plateau (North Central) and Kaduna (North West). The project aims to mitigate violence against women in elections through a collaborative and systemic approach with Stakeholders such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, Security agencies, the Electoral institute and other credible organizations.
We will through our various interventionist approaches aim at improving the participation of women at the general elections by strengthening the capacity of selected networks, institutions, electoral bodies, and oversight mechanisms to better prevent and respond to VAWP, SGBV and other forms of VAW” that may deter female electorates towards exercising their franchise at the polls across the four project states of, Borno, Kwara, Kaduna, Plateau States. Based on the above, FIDA Nigeria is seeking to engage a consultant to develop a training manual on prevention and response to violence against women during elections, and gender and disability protection approach in policing elections for Law Enforcement Agencies.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be tasked to develop a comprehensive manual with the following tepical sessions: Introduction to VAWE (Violence against Women in Elections),Mapping and measuring VAWE—(Violence against Women in Elections),Violence against VAWE, Legal and Policy reform to prevent and respond to VAWE, Integrating VAWE into Election Observation/Violence, Monitoring, Preventing and Mitigating VAWE through electoral arrangements and disability &Social inclusivity in election security management
Review and Validation of the Training Manual
In collaboration with the Project Team, the Programme Manager shall review and validate all contents of the training manual. A proposed training manual outline and method for teaching each topic/chapter shall be submitted to fidanigeria@yahoo.com. The training materials developed must be delivered to the National Programme Manager on a date not later than the deadline for submission via email on fidanigeria@yahoo.com.
Requirements
The applicant should be a national or international educational, research, think-tank, NGO or any relevant organization with the expertise and reputation of developing training manuals in peace building and conflict resolution.
Duration
The assignment is for a period of five weeks from the date of signing the contract.
Fees
The fees for this assignment is subject to negotiation with the selected individual.
How to apply
Qualified candidates should send curriculum vitae and cover letter detailing relevant experiences to the addressed to the Country Vice-President/National President to hr@fida.org.ng or fidanigeria@yahoo.com
Subject of e-mail should be “Application for Consultancy to develop a training Manual”
Deadline: Applications should be submitted on or before 10th October 2022.
Capacity Enhancement Training For Legal Officers Of The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Abuja
On the 27th of September FIDA Abuja graced the opening ceremony of the Training Program for Legal Officers of the National Youth Service Corps with the theme “THE ROLE OF LEGAL OFFICERS IN DELIVERING QUALITY LEGAL SERVICE IN NIGERIA”.
The training organized by the National Youth Service Corps was put together to ensure legal officers of the NYSC have appropriate education and training on the ideals and ethical duties of lawyers with focus on the provisions of the National Youth Service Corps Act 2004 and its accompanying Bye-Laws of 1993.
The branch was duly represented by the Chairperson, Chibuzo M. Nwosu and the Publicity Secretary, Olosen Victoria Ibiezugbe. Also present at the opening ceremony were the Representative of the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Mrs C.I Ubah; the Director Legal NYSC, Barr. Ahmed Tijani Ibrahim, Representative of the Justice of the Court of Appeal, Mrs Josphine Ekperobe among many others.
As the guest speaker, the Chairperson in a goodwill message urged legal officers to arm themselves with the profession’s right knowledge, skill and ethics. She further noted the timely invitation as FIDA anticipates a synergy with the National Youth Service Corps by training and integrating corps members as paralegals of the Association and in the administration of justice.
FIDA Imo Commemorates the International Day of Peace
On the 21st day of September 2022, FIDA Imo, in collaboration with Imo Women for Peace and Good Governance Initiative, marked the UN International Day of Peace.
A peace walk was embarked on around the city’s metropolis with massive advocacy spearheaded by FIDA IMO. The high point was releasing a bird, the symbol of Peace.
FIDA Abuja Outreach To Jahi 1 Community
FIDA Abuja branch led by the Chairperson, Miss Chibuzo M. Nwosu, on the 8th of September 2022, carried out an outreach to the community of Jahi.
Present at the Jahi Chief’s Palace were HRH Alhaji Adamu Dogo, members of his cabinet and paralegals.
While the Chairperson enlightened the teaming community members on relevant provisions of the VAPP Act 2015, relevant questions centered around these provisions were asked and answered assiduously.
At the end of the session, the Palace Chief (Alhaji Adamu Dogo) once again appreciated FIDA for its continuous works and prayed the girls of the Community grow to become lawyers and women of virtue.
In her closing remarks, the Chairperson commended particularly members of the Jahi Community for their willingness to uphold the tenets of the law and ultimately the fight against gender-based violence. The branch donated some bags of grains to the community.
Women’s Rights Movement in Nigeria- A Step Closer to Gender Parity and Abolition of Gender Discrimination!
FIDA Nigeria, a vanguard in the quest for gender parity, joins millions of others to celebrate the commendable bold move of the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who ended the denial of women inheritance that was prevalent among cultures in Rivers State, when he signed into law on Thursday, 15th September, 2022, the Rivers State Prohibition of the Curtailment of Women’s Right to Share in Family Property Law No. 2 of 2022.
The passage of this law by the Executive Governor of Rivers State is a clear testament to the tenacity and resoluteness of his administration to eradicate and prohibit the restrictions that abound in Rivers state which restrictions, abrogate or curtail the rights of women to share in family property, or make it a taboo for female children to inherit property.
This law is one which FIDA Nigeria has consistently advocated for its passage, all over the country being that it reinforces the truism that Women’s rights are indeed Human rights and as such, MUST be safeguarded and protected at all cost! The Importance of this law cannot be over-emphasized as it will enable women in Rivers state to effectively actualize their potentials, and allow them to inherit their entitlements while paving the way for discrimination to be challenged in court, riding on the back of the new Law.
Certainly, it is mind boggling and beyond reasonable contemplation that, in view of all the giant strides recorded by mankind in the 21st Century, women in parts of Nigeria are still being subjugated based solely on their gender, sometimes leading to outright denial of their rights which the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) has already guaranteed.
It is sequel to the foregoing that, FIDA Nigeria in continuation of its commitment towards protecting, promoting and preserving the rights of indigent women and children, makes this Clarion call on all State Governors to emulate the exceedingly commendable step taken by the Executive Governor of Rivers State and ensure the passage of this law and similar other laws in their states, particularly for States that are yet to pass into law the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act; and the Child’s Rights Act, amongst others.
The above call by FIDA Nigeria extends to all stakeholders in the movement towards the eradication of bias and discrimination rooted in gender inequality. Together we can push for greater actualization for gender parity across all spheres of society as we remain resolute in ensuring a society free from all forms of gender-based discrimination.
#Womenrightsarehumanrights. #genderparity. #togetherwecan #FIDANigeria
Yours in service,
Amina Suzanah Agbaje
Country Vice President/CVP
FIDA Nigeria
FIDA Nigeria Inaugurates Epe Branch, Lagos State
Following the successful Inauguration of FIDA Nigeria Ikeja Branch Lagos State, as the 44th Branch of the Association, FIDA Nigeria resolute on further extending her reach to communities and people at the grassroots, inaugurated FIDA Nigeria Epe Branch Lagos State as her 45th Branch.
The inauguration took place at the KFA Event Center, Km 15, Lekki-Epe Express Way, Lekki, with the theme ”Economic and Intellectual Empowerment for the Women at the Grassroot”
The jurisdiction of the new Branch covers Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki and Epe Local Government Areas of Lagos State, which all fall under the Epe Judicial Division of Lagos state.
The National Executive Committee of FIDA Nigeria was represented by the Country Vice President, Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje and its National Secretary, Mrs. Eliana Martins. In attendance also was, the Chairperson, Board of Trustees (BOT) of FIDA Nigeria, Chief Mrs. Tessa Ikimi; Mrs. Biola Dosunmu; Olori Adetoun Balogun, the IyaOloja of Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Central Business District Ibeju-Lekki.
The inauguration was conducted by the Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria, while Her Honor Mrs. Funmi Dosunmu presided over the swearing-in of executive officers of the new Branch. The emergence of the 45th Branch of FIDA Nigeria is a clear testament to FIDA’s commitment to increasing its reach and presence towards effectively promoting, protecting and preserving the rights of women and children through the use of legal framework.
FIDA Nigeria Inaugurates Ikeja Branch, Lagos State
FIDA Nigeria as part of its commitment towards effectively reaching the grassroots while scaling up on its core objective of protecting, promoting and preserving the rights of women and children, inaugurated her 44th Branch, FIDA (Nigeria) Ikeja Branch Lagos State on Wednesday, 14th of September 2022.
The Inauguration ceremony took place at the NBA Ikeja Branch Secretariat Hall, Old Secretariat building, Ikeja Lagos State.
The Theme of the inauguration was “Challenges faced by Women and Children in Nigeria: The Nigerian Experience!”
In attendance at the occasion were several distinguished personalities including the Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria, Amina Suzanah Agbaje; Chief Magistrate A.B Olagbegi Adelabu (Keynote speaker); Chairman Magistrate’s Association of Nigeria Lagos State Branch, Alex Muoka (Guest speaker); FIDA Nigeria National Secretary, Eliana Martins; amongst several other FIDA members and invited guests.
The inauguration was carried out by the Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria, after which the new Branch officials were sworn in. The inauguration was a huge success and underscores FIDA’s commitment to ensuring that the scope of provision of legal services (pro-bono) is broadened and extends far to the grassroots where it is mostly needed.
FIDA, NBA Train Young Legal Practitioners On Ethics, Discipline In Kano
The Kano State branch of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has trained 100 young lawyers on professional ethics and discipline.
According to the FIDA state chairperson, Bilkisu Ibrahim Suleiman, the training, which was held at the NBA state secretariat, was aimed at developing the capacity of the young legal practitioners in areas they are having problems.
She said the upcoming lawyers would not only need to practice but to mingle and learn from experienced and senior members in the profession so they can improve in handling legal proceedings.
Speaking, Chief Magistrate Umma Sani Kurawa, who deliver a keynote presentation on filing processes for civil and criminal proceedings, advised FIDA to be revisiting cases at correctional facilities for review of convicted cases tried outside the jurisdiction.
“I was opportune to visit the prison when I was a Senior Magistrate and my jurisdiction was to impose a fine of N15,000. To my surprise, I met a woman who was convicted and a fine of N50,000 was imposed on her by a magistrate of grade II.