About Us

We are Experienced
Female Lawyers

Federacion Internationalé De Abogadas (FIDA) was formally established in Mexico in 1944. The name translates to the International Federation of Women Lawyers. In 1964 Ambassador Aduke Alakija established the Nigerian branch of the organization, FIDA Nigeria.

FIDA Nigeria is a non-profit, non-political, voluntary association of women called to the practice of law in Nigeria. FIDA Nigeria’s primary role is to protect, promote and preserve the rights of women and children in Nigeria. Its core values are transparency, accountability, teamwork, integrity, mutual respect, commitment, service and we are non-partisan. Its main objectives are to: promote the principles and aims of the United Nations in its legal and social aspects; establish friendly international relations on a basis of equality and mutual respect for all peoples; promote the study of comparative law; proffer advice to Government in cases relating to women and children.

FIDA Nigeria actualizes its objectives through free legal representation for indigent women and children, advocacy and policy campaigns, education and training, mediation and counseling services, and publishing information resources. FIDA Nigeria has formally inaugurated branches in 36 states of the federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. These branches are headed by duly elected State Officers and overseen by the National Executive Officers and staff of the National Secretariat.

Mission

FIDA Nigeria’s mission is to promote, protect and preserve the rights, interests and well-being of women and children through the use of legal framework to ensure that they live free from all forms of discrimination, violence and abuse in the society.

Vision

A just, peaceful and equitable Nigerian society where women and children’s rights, interests are guaranteed, in which they have the freedom to choose and live their own future.

Objectives of
FIDA

To enhance and promote the welfare of women and children, realizing that the happiness of the home and strength of the society depends on the well being of women and children.
To establish friendly international relations on the basis of equality and mutual respect for all peoples.
To promote the principles and aims of the United Nations in their legal and social aspects.
To promote the study of comparative law.
To proffer advice to the government in all cases of neglect relating to women and children.

Recognitions & Accomplishments
of FIDA Nigeria

Drug Abuse

In recognition of her work, FIDA Nigeria was honored by the Nigerian Government for their work on the Eradication of Drug Abuse

Relief

Distribution of the African protocol on women throughout Nigeria, funded by IPAS.

Child Rights Act

FIDA Nigeria collaborated with Legal Aid Council and Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to Simplify the Child Rights Act.

Shelter

FIDA Akwa-Ibom Branch established a temporary shelter for battered women.

Social Responsibility

Proffering advice to Government in all cases of neglect relating to women and children.
Advocating for Legislations that would promote the advancement and protecto of women and children.

National Gender Policy Dialogue

FIDA Nigeria collaborated with other CSOs, the World Bank and DFID for the National Gender Policy Dialogue project in 2012.

Legal Benefits

In recognition of Pro bono work, several Branches enjoy a waiver on filling fees for Court processes

Legislative Advocacy

FIDA Nigeria managed the Secretariat for Legislative Advocacy Coalition on Violence against Women. [LACVAW]

Traditional Practices Against Women

FIDA Niger was instrumental in the setting up of a 7 man committee to review harmful traditional practices against women in Local Government Areas of Niger State.

Sovereign National Conference

In Recognition of her work, FIDA Nigeria received 2 delegate slots to the 2014 Sovereign National Conference from Federal Government of Nigeria.

Violence Against Person Prohibition Act

FIDA Abuja Branch conducted a awareness campaign on the Violence against Person Prohibition(VAPP) Act

Training For Orphans & Vulnerable Children

FIDA Abuja Branch in collaboration with MSH conducted training for orphans & Vulnerable Children (OVC) Caregivers at Asaba, Delta State.

Registration of Land Title

FIDA Kano State Branch collaborated with other NGOs and Government Ministries for a project on formalization of registration of land title in the state as a way of empowering women to ensure their right to own landed property.

Women Protection Mandate

The Women Protection Mandate Project is a platform through which FIDA provided legal support to female political candidates who wished to challenge election results where there were clear cases of irregularities that denied them the mandate. This served to increase the participation and representation of women in decision making and governance.

FIDA Nigeria Anthem

Verse 1.

FIDA serves to bring Liberation

To all men in Contemplation

To enhance our world together

Is our noble goal for richer life.

Verse 2.

We bring light, through Education

To dislodge deeds of ignorance

With the tools of right Conviction

By the Law and Equity combined

Verse 3.

FIDA Stands for all the Children

FIDA Stands for equal Justice

FIDA Stands for all our Women

Who will rise to have their best for all

Who will rise…………. to have their best………….. for…… all…….!

Membership

a] A person is qualified to be a member of the Organisation if She:-

(i) is admitted to the practice of law in Nigeria.

(ii) is a member of a State Branch of the Organisation and

(iii)Has paid the prescribed membership registration fee and annual dues at branch and national level.

b] Without prejudice to subsection(1) of this section, a law student may be admitted as a student a member of the Organisation on payment of a prescribed registration fee but shall not be entitled to vote or be voted for.

c] A female law graduate may be admitted as an associate member of the Organisation on payment of a prescribed registration fee but shall not be entitled to vote or be voted for.

d] The fees, levies and subscriptions are as set out in the first shedule of FIDA Nigeria constitution.