by FIDATransformative Dialogue with Religious Leaders to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls in Plateau State
Today, FIDA Nigeria, with the invaluable support of the Ford Foundation, convened a transformative dialogue with religious leaders in Plateau State, focused on preventing violence against women and girls. This pioneering event underscores the power of faith in challenging harmful norms and inspiring sustainable change within communities.
Event Highlights:
🔹 Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Religious leaders engaged in discussions about the widespread issue of GBV in their communities, sharing insights and exploring faith-based approaches to address and combat violence.
🔹 Faith and Reflection: Participants reflected on the teachings of the Holy Bible and Quran, emphasizing how these religious doctrines call for the protection and dignity of women and girls. The discussions centered on how religious leaders can harness these teachings to foster peace and prevent violence.
🔹 Strategic Action Planning: The dialogue led to the development of actionable solutions aimed at breaking cultural barriers that perpetuate violence, with the ultimate goal of fostering gender equality and justice.
This milestone event represents a significant step towards building safer, more inclusive communities where the rights and dignity of women and girls are upheld.
FIDA #EndGBV #ReligiousLeadersTakeAction #FaithForChange #FordFoundation #GenderJustice #EqualityNow
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Press Release on the International Day of the Girl-Child 2024Theme: “Girls’ Vision for the Future”
As we celebrate the International Day of the Girl-Child observed annually on the 11th of October, FIDA Nigeria stands resolute and in solidarity with every girl whose dream and aspiration remains a beacon of hope for a brighter tomorrow. Today, we do not only celebrate girls—we amplify their voices, highlight their struggles and call for urgent and proactive action to ensure that their vision for the future become a reality.
Across Nigeria, millions of girls are born into a world filled with challenges that are beyond their making. From the plains of the northeast, where continued conflict and displacement shatter the innocence of childhood, to the rural communities where girls are still denied access to basic education, the story of the Nigerian girl-child is often one of untold hardship and deprivation.
A story of daily struggle from dawn, not to prepare for school, but inundated with household chores and in most cases enduring the endless and cruel reality of child labor and gender inequalities. She dreams of a future where she can learn, grow and thrive, yet that dream is clouded by the weight of systemic barriers and discrimination, early and forced marriages, gender-based violence, harmful traditional and cultural practices that rob her of her childhood and future.
In the face of all these adversities, the Nigerian girl-child tenaciously remains a symbol of resilience and courage, daring to dream despite the odds, constantly envisioning a world where she is empowered, her rights protected, her voice heard and her potentials nurtured. However, this vision cannot be realized alone. The girl-child needs allies—people, institutions, and government that will not only listen but take decisive actions and steps to dismantle the structures that perpetuate gender inequality and gross discrimination.
The theme for the year 2024 resonates deeply within our nation. Insecurity, poverty, climate change, illiteracy, cultural and religious limitations and the degradation of progress made in gender parity, have further exacerbated the plight of girls in Nigeria. Nevertheless we make bold to say that the Nigerian girl-child is not a victim waiting to be saved, she is a leader waiting to be heard, standing tall at the frontline of change, challenging oppressive norms and pushing boundaries, yet she cannot win this fight alone.
FIDA Nigeria recognizing the immense potential of girls to reshape our society is deeply committed to creating spaces where their voices are not only heard but acted upon. We shall continue to work tirelessly to provide support, legal protection, and advocacy for the right to education and the overall wellbeing of the girl-child, ensuring that every Nigerian girl has the tools, resources and opportunities to shape her future.
As we reflect on this year’s theme, we call on Government, Civil Society Organizations, Public and Private sectors and indeed all stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to invest in proven solutions that address the challenges which girls face. We must focus on and prioritize security, education, health care, and wholesome protection from violence and exploitation. When girls lead, they uplift families, transform communities, and strengthen the nation.
Let us not only dream with our girls but invest heavily into these dreams. The future of Nigeria is in their hands and by empowering them today, we are securing a brighter tomorrow for all.
It is time to rise for the girl-child, walk the talk, guarantee her participation in leadership through education, thereby accelerating progress for a brighter tomorrow where her dreams become reality.
Together we certainly can!
Signed
For: FIDA Nigeria
Amina Suzanah Agbaje, (Mrs.)
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
internationaldayofthegirlchild2024 #girlsvisionforthefuture #proactiveaction #walkthetalk #togetherwecan #FIDANigeria
by FIDAOndo FIDA Applauds Governor Aiyedatiwa for Championing Women’s Development
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Ondo State has commended the State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his unwavering support of women’s career growth through gender-friendly policies and programs. FIDA Ondo praised the Governor for fostering a conducive environment that empowers women to excel, noting that the newly sworn-in female judges bring a wealth of experience that will enhance the administration of justice in Ondo State.
In a statement issued yesterday in Akure, FIDA Ondo Chairperson, Barr. Catherine Ogunjebi, congratulated the newly appointed judges, particularly those who are members of FIDA, for their well-deserved elevation to the Bench. She described the appointment of three female judges in succession as a significant milestone, reflecting the Governor’s commitment to inclusive governance.
Barr. Ogunjebi also expressed joy for the women of Ondo State, noting that Governor Aiyedatiwa has introduced numerous life-changing programs specifically designed to uplift women, setting a new precedent in the state’s leadership.