by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Holds Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on the Status Of Gender-Sensitive Legislations in Lagos State
With support from the Ford Foundation, FIDA Nigeria is convening a Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue to assess the implementation of gender-sensitive legislations preventing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
In her welcome address, the Country Vice President/National President emphasized the need for stronger enforcement of laws such as the VAPP Act 2015, Child Rights Act 2003, Anti-Torture Act 2017, and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.
This dialogue brings together religious, traditional, and government leaders to discuss barriers to implementation, strengthen accountability, and enhance protection for women and girls.
We appreciate our partners and stakeholders for their commitment to ending GBV and building a safer society for all.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch Commemorates World Day of Social Justice 2025
In solidarity with the global community, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Rivers State Branch, commemorates the World Day of Social Justice, observed annually on the 20th of February.
This year’s theme is Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice.
As recognized by the World Summit, social development aims at fostering social justice, solidarity, harmony, and equality within and among countries. Equality and equity are the fundamental values that uphold all societies. This aligns with the mission of FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch, which strives to promote, protect, and preserve the rights, interests, and well-being of women and children. We use the legal framework to ensure that women and children live free from all forms of discrimination, violence, and abuse in society.
FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch, therefore calls for more inclusive policies and actions that aim to reduce inequalities, restore human dignity, and promote sustainable development—especially for marginalized Nigerian women and children. It is time to bridge the gaps that divide us.
FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch wishes everyone a meaningful and impactful World Day of Social Justice.
Signed:
Tamunoibuemi Life-George
Chairperson, FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria at the House of Representatives Public Hearing!
FIDA Nigeria joined key stakeholders and policymakers at the House of Representatives for a one-day public hearing on two critical bills:
✅Amendment of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 – seeking to increase penalties for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and related offences.
✅ Provision for Widowhood Leave – advocating for dedicated leave to support widows and widowers in mourning and making immediate arrangements for life after loss.
These bills are crucial steps towards strengthening legal protections for women, ensuring gender equality, and promoting social justice. FIDA Nigeria remains committed to legal reforms that uphold the rights, dignity, and well-being of women and children in Nigeria.
Representing FIDA Nigeria at the hearing were the National Secretary, Mrs. Rekia Rachael Adejo-Andrew; Assistant Manager, Legal Services & Shelter Administration, Mariam O. Omeiza; and Legal Services, Shelter Administration & Human Resources Officer, Rahila Dauda.
fidanigeria
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Press Statement on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
Theme: Stepping up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM
Nigeria is among the countries with the highest prevalence of FGM! According to the United Nations, Nigeria ranks third globally for FGM cases, with nearly 19.9 million survivors. The 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) reveals that 20% of women aged 15-49 have undergone FGM, with particularly high rates in the South East (35%), South West (30%), and South-South (24%) regions
Therefore as we commemorate the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), FIDA Nigeria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and well-being of every girl and woman. FGM is not only a harmful traditional practice but also a gross violation of human rights that causes profound physical, psychological, and social harm. This cruel practice must be eradicated in all its forms.
Key Nigerian laws which explicitly prohibit FGM, include:
✅ The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 (VAPP Act) – Section 6 criminalizes FGM and imposes strict penalties for offenders.
✅ The Child Rights Act, 2003 – Sections 11 and 21 prohibit harmful traditional practices that threaten children’s health and rights.
✅ State Laws – Some states, such as Lagos, Ekiti, Ebonyi, and Osun, have enacted specific laws banning FGM, though enforcement remains a significant challenge.
We must ensure the implementation of these laws for the benefit of girls and women. FGM has no health benefits and only serves to rob girls and women of their autonomy, safety, and dignity.
Alarmingly however, the practice of medicalized FGM is on the rise, where healthcare providers perform FGM under the false guise of safety. This is a clear violation of medical ethics as there is no form of FGM that is safe, acceptable, or justified.
The theme for this year, emphasizes the critical need for collaboration and action at all levels to eradicate this practice.
FIDA Nigeria therefore calls upon all stakeholders to take decisive steps in the fight against FGM:
- Law Enforcement Agencies must rigorously enforce anti-FGM laws, prosecute offenders, and provide justice for survivors.
- Traditional and Religious Leaders should publicly denounce FGM and dismantle the harmful myths that perpetuate it.
- Healthcare Professionals must refuse to participate in FGM and report any cases where it is being practiced.
- Civil Society Organizations must continue to raise awareness, engage communities, and create safe spaces for survivors.
- The Government must prioritize the elimination of FGM by allocating resources, strengthening enforcement, and implementing sustainable intervention programs.
We cannot afford to relent in the fight against this practice. For every girl at risk, for every survivor in pain, and for the millions still vulnerable to this form of gender-based violence—
FIDA Nigeria remains resolute in its advocacy, intervention, and legal action to ensure that no more girls suffer from this injustice.
The time to act is NOW. Not another girl. Not another cut. Not another stolen future.
Signed:
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
Country Vice President
FIDA Nigeria
Chineze Obianyo
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria