by FIDABridging the Gaps in GBV Prevention: A Call to Action
The Annual Multi-Stakeholders Dialogue on Gender-Sensitive Legislations, hosted by FIDA Nigeria with support from Ford Foundation, uncovered critical gaps in policy implementation and enforcement in Ekiti State.
Stakeholders—including government agencies, CSOs, and traditional leaders—emphasized the need for stronger collaboration, improved judicial efficiency, and strategic advocacy to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the state. The dialogue reinforced the urgency of legislative reforms and accountability mechanisms to end impunity and ensure the effective application of legal frameworks.
Call to Action
For real impact and sustainable change, stakeholders must:
✅ Strengthen policy implementation and enforcement at state and local levels
✅ Enhance collaboration among government agencies, CSOs, and traditional/religious leaders
✅ Increase awareness and accountability mechanisms to prevent impunity
✅ Push for legislative reforms and judicial efficiency to ensure effective legal application
✅ Engage media and CSOs in strategic advocacy to influence behavior and amplify community-driven solutions
A more protective system is essential to protecting women and girls from violence in Ekiti State. The time to act is now!
EndGBV #FIDANigeria
by FIDAFIDA Ondo Celebrates Female Judges on International Day of Women Judges 2025
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Ondo State branch, marked the International Day of Women Judges 2025 with a remarkable event celebrating the contributions of female judges in the judiciary. The event, themed Gavel & Gather with Female Judges in Ondo State, took place on March 10, 2025, bringing together distinguished judges, legal practitioners, students, and the general public.
Recognizing the Dedication of Female Judges
Bolanle Olafunmiloye, Chairperson of FIDA Ondo, opened the event by highlighting its significance as the first of its kind in Ondo State. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging female judges for their dedication, integrity, and service in the judiciary.
Hon. Justice (Prof.) Alero Akeredolu delivered an inspiring keynote address on this year’s theme, Women in Justice, Women for Justice. The event also featured a thought-provoking panel discussion on Challenges Faced in Ensuring Justice for GBV Victims. Panelists included:
Hon. Justice Akintan-Osadebay
Hon. Justice Adesola Ikpatt
His Worship A. F. Akinboboye
Helen Falowo, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Justice
Honoring Excellence in the Judiciary
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to distinguished female judges in recognition of their outstanding commitment and service on the bench in Ondo State and Nigeria. The honored judges included:
Hon. Justice H. M. Ogunwumiju (JSC)
Hon. Justice E. A. Alade
Hon. Justice Akintan-Osadebay
Hon. Justice Adejumo
Hon. Justice Adesola Ikpatt
Hon. O. A. Adegoroye, Chairman of the Planning Committee, expressed gratitude to all attendees and commended FIDA Ondo for spearheading this historic recognition. He assured continued support from the judiciary in advancing gender equity in the legal profession.
A Gathering of Legal Luminaries
The event was well attended by members of the judiciary, including male judges from the Ondo State judiciary, senior lawyers, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Akure Bar Chairman and executives, former FIDA executives, civil society organizations such as the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Justice, Development, and Peace Commission (JDPC), and the general public.
FIDA Ondo remains committed to advocating for justice, gender equality, and the empowerment of women in the legal profession.
by FIDAPRESS STATEMENT BY FIDA NIGERIA ON THE COMMEMORATION OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2025
Theme: For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment
How much longer must the Nigerian woman and girl child wait for equity and justice; for inclusion and Equal Opportunities? Women and Girls are more than deserving of justice, equality, and empowerment.
On this International Women’s Day 2025, FIDA Nigeria raises a clarion call to great action; Women Arise, Accelerate Action!!!
We stand in unwavering solidarity with women and girls across the nation focused on the theme :- For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment is not just a slogan—it is an urgent demand to end systemic oppression, injustice, and discrimination.
Yet our tragic reality is – A Nation Failing Its Women!! Even though the Nigerian Constitution (under Section 42 (1)) guarantees freedom from discrimination, women are still denied equal opportunities in political representation, inheritance rights, and employment; while necessary qualifications and merit is being thrown out the window to allow for patriarchal sentiments, stereotyping, nepotism, tribalism and indigeneship.
Though the National Gender Policy (2006) prescribes 35% affirmative action for women in leadership, yet it is looked at as a toothless bulldog being that women occupy less than 6% of elective positions, a blatant disregard for gender inclusivity.
Accordingly, across Nigeria, millions of women and girls continue to face gender-based violence, economic deprivation, and systematic discrimination and exclusion. The National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), confirms that 31% of Nigerian women aged between 15-49 years have experienced physical violence, yet only 1 in 3 victims seek help, with many unable to access justice due to stigma, fear, and institutional barriers.
Nigeria remains one of the top 10 countries with the highest rates of child marriage, with the United Nations reporting that over 44% of girls are married before the age of 18, robbing them of their bright future and exposing them to unimaginable suffering and deprivation.
While we note that Legal Protections Exist, however Justice Remains Most Elusive to the Average woman. This is despite Nigeria’s commitment to international frameworks such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol, implementation remains a mirage.
The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) 2015 has not been domesticated in all states, leaving many women unprotected. While the Child Rights Act 2003, meant to safeguard young girls from early and forced marriages, is yet to be fully implemented across the country, allowing archaic traditions and beliefs to continue violating children’s rights.
FIDA Nigeria says Enough is Enough! Women Arise! Let’s Accelerate Action, for ALL Women and Girls: For the Promotion, Protection, Preservation of Rights; For Equality & Empowerment!
We stand as the Legal Voice for Women and Girls and remain the beacon of hope for women facing all forms of injustice. Through our free legal aid services, we have provided legal representation to over 15,000 indigent women and girls in the past year alone. We have championed strategic litigation to challenge discriminatory laws and practices, ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence and sexual exploitation are held accountable.
We continue to advocate for the full domestication and enforcement of the VAPP Act, the Child Rights Act, and the National Gender Policy. Our grassroots sensitization programs have educated thousands of women on their legal rights, empowering them to speak up against oppression.
Enough is Enough: we Call for Action as we demand urgent, concrete actions to protect and promote the rights of women and girls in Nigeria:
Women Arise and let us work together, mentor and support each other; likewise we encourage HeForShe champions to join us in addressing some of these issues for the betterment of society
The Federal and State Governments must prioritize gender-responsive policies and ensure the full implementation of existing legal frameworks. While State Assemblies must urgently domesticate the VAPP Act and Child Rights Act to guarantee legal protections for all Nigerian women and girls.
Additionally, Law enforcement agencies must ensure swift and unbiased prosecution of gender-based violence cases, removing the barriers that hinder victims from seeking justice.
Even the private sector has a role to play as they must enforce equal pay policies, eliminate workplace harassment, and create inclusive environments where women can thrive.
The Nigerian society must collectively reject harmful traditional practices that sustain gender inequality and violence against women. Let’s change the narrative and portray strong women in better light because we know that Women’s involvement will lead to better policies on issues concerning society especially in the areas of poverty reduction, family welfare, health care and education.
The culture of endurance and silence, must abate, while parity and
and empowerment become non non-negotiable. We refuse to let another generation of girls grow up in fear, oppression, and deprivation. As an unwavering legal shield, FIDA stands for every Nigerian woman and girl; We will not rest until justice prevails across board!
For ALL Women and Girls, we demand RIGHTS. We demand EQUALITY. We demand EMPOWERMENT. And we will not stop until we achieve it.
Happy International Women’s Day!
AccelerateAction #FIDAForJustice #IWD2025 #EndGenderInequality
Eliana Martins
Country Vice President
FIDA Nigeria
Chineze Obianyo
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Hosts Annual Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue in Plateau State to Strengthen Efforts Against GBV
FIDA Nigeria is currently hosting its Annual Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue in Plateau State, bringing together key stakeholders from government, traditional and religious institutions, civil society, and the media. This critical engagement provides a platform for assessing the implementation of gender-sensitive laws designed to prevent Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), and Violence Against Children (VAC).
Discussions at the dialogue highlight the urgent need for stronger policy enforcement, enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, increased accountability, and strategic legal reforms. Additionally, media-driven advocacy is being recognized as a powerful tool for raising awareness and driving policy changes.
With a shared commitment to eradicating GBV in all its forms, participants are identifying concrete steps to address gaps in existing frameworks and reinforce collective efforts toward a safer and more just society.
Stay tuned for more updates on the outcomes of this crucial dialogue.
FIDANigeria #EndGBV #MultiStakeholderDialogue
by FIDAFIDA NIGERIA URGES A PROMPT INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION OF THE ALLEGED SEXUAL HARASSMENT CLAIM IN THE SENATE
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is deeply concerned by the recent allegation of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate President: Godswill Akpabio.
While this remains an allegation, it is a serious and weighty claim which warrants immediate, impartial, and thorough investigation. If proven, it would represent a disturbing abuse of power and a direct assault on the dignity and rights of women in leadership, governance, and decision-making positions.
Sexual Harassment within the corridors of power is more than a personal violation—it is an attack on gender equality, a sexual gender-based violence, a betrayal of public trust and confidence and indeed a stain on the integrity of governance. It fosters a toxic culture, where women in leadership are subjected to intimidation, coercion, harassment, abuse, and discrimination—barriers that have long hindered female participation in politics, governance, and decision-making.
FIDA Nigeria unequivocally condemns any form of intimidation and harassment; and calls for swift and expeditious action to ensure that such
injustice where found, does not go unpunished by way of prosecution to serve as a stern warning and deterrence against such threats and acts.
This issue transcends politics. It is about law, justice, and fundamental human rights. The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to dignity (Section 34) and freedom from any form of discrimination (Section 42). The combination of the provisions of The Administration of Criminal Justice Act, Criminal Code Act, Penal Code Act, and The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) 2015, explicitly criminalizes sexual harassment, intimidation and abuse of authority. Nigeria is also bound by its obligations under international
law: including but not limited to The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which mandates proactive measures to combat sexual harassment in all sectors.
The gravity of this allegation requires more than a public outcry. It demands decisive and accelerated action. What is more worrisome is that the allegation is coming from the Legislative Arm of the Government: a body principally charged with the responsibility of making laws for the entire country. It is very disturbing that the allegation is against the head of the third arm of the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in the time and age that the global community avoids such acts like
the plague.
FIDA Nigeria calls for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation of Senator Akpoti’s allegation to establish the truth and ensure accountability. Silence or inaction will only embolden perpetrators and deter victims from speaking out. We must be able to restore confidence and respect for our government in the minds of the citizens. This will be lacking if the allegation is not objectively investigated and the report is made public. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. Power should never be a shield for misconduct, nor should any woman be subjected to any form of harassment – whether in politics or the workplace or indeed in any sphere of the
society.
We also emphasize the need for protection against retaliation, ensuring that any woman who speaks out does not face intimidation, political persecution, or career setbacks. Women must be afforded the leeway and platforms to speak out their truth without fear of backlash or persecution.
This moment must serve as a turning point in addressing the systemic barriers that discourage women from holding leadership positions.
We, therefore, once again, call for the full implementation of the 35% affirmative action for women in governance to move beyond rhetorics to
reality. We must create a political and institutional environment where no woman is forced to choose between her dignity and her ambition. Women must be given room to render bold and courageous service to the country.
FIDA Nigeria stands firm in its zero-tolerance against all forms of abuse and gender-based violence. We urge all relevant authorities, civil society organizations, the legal community, and the public to stand together in demanding justice, accountability, and a safer Nigeria for women. Every woman, irrespective of her status, deserves to be protected and free from all forms of oppression, harassment, intimidation, abuse, and violence.
Justice must prevail. The time for action is now!
#AccelerateActionsNow.
SIGNED
for: FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
Country Vice President
FIDA Nigeria
Chineze Obianyo
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria