by adminFIDA Ekiti Hosts a Stakeholders’ Meeting on the Administration of the Criminal Justice Law
On the 23rd September, 2020, FIDA Nigeria Ekiti State branch with support from MacArthur Foundation, organized a stakeholders training to establish a network of the Bar, Bench, Police force and Correctional Service in Ekiti state. The training is for the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice law (ACJL) of Ekiti State 2014. The initial meeting was for the police force and the officers of the correctional service to discuss their responsibilities and challenges as provided under the law. a subsequent meeting will be held with the other stakeholders and finally a joint meeting bringing all the stakeholders together to strategies on ways to effectively work together towards achieving the effective implementation of the ACJL in Ekiti State.
by adminFIDA Rivers Hosts a Stakeholders’ Meeting on the Administration of the Criminal Justice Law
FIDA Nigeria, Rivers state branch with support from MacArthur Foundation organised a 4 day stakeholders meeting with the Bar, Bench, Police Force and Correctional Services to review the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Rivers state and the challenges faced by each stakeholder in implementing the law, as well as create an environment to enable networking to ensure effective implementation.
Justice Fiberesima 
by adminFIDA Abuja, Conducts a One Day Training for CSOs and Senior Government officials on Gender Responsive Budgeting
As part of the United Nations Spotlight Initiative (UNSI) project activities, FIDA Abuja organised a one day training for senior government officials and Civil Society organizations in the FCT on Gender Responsive Budgeting, today the 10th of September 2020.
Participants were trained on responsive budgeting and impact of poor funding on women while also analyzing budget programmes from gender perspectives. There were group tasks and presentations and the group adopted an advocacy plan to promote increased budget allocation on gender and to track compliance to gender responsive budgeting
by adminFIDA Conducts Capacity Building Session for Community Paralegals in Jahi, Abuja
FIDA Nigeria with the support of ActionAid and funding from Global Affairs Canada held a three day training of community paralegals in Jahi community in the FCT. The training was aimed at building the capacity of community paralegals and creating awareness of SGBV as it affects the community.
Part of the training included an exposition of the VAPP Act in its simplified version to enable
paralegals understand and relate adequately to its provisions towards responding to cases of SGBV in the community.
#NigerianWomenMatter
#CanadaDevNG
by adminFIDA BAUCHI TO PARTNER with NIGERIAN CORRECTIONAL SERVICES IN ASSISTING FEMALE INMATES IN BAUCHI
The International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA) has indicated its readiness to partner with the Nigerian Correctional Service towards assisting female inmates in Custodial Centers in Bauchi.
This was disclosed by the newly constituted executives of FIDA Bauchi Branch led by its Chairperson, Barr. Fatima Abubakar during their courtesy visit to the Controller of Corrections Bauchi State Command, CCS Suleiman T. Suleiman in his Office on the 6th of August,2020.
Barr. Fatima Abubakar noted that FIDA was newly inaugurated in Bauchi for the purpose of addressing issues pertaining to women and children in the State, being that NCoS is a critical stakeholder, FIDA is set to partner with the Service with the aim of intervening on issues relating to female inmates, adding that the organization intends to visit all the Custodial Centers in the State so as to study the plight of female inmates with a view to addressing them where necessary,
In his remarks, the Controller of Corrections, Bauchi State Command, Suleiman T. Suleiman, commended FIDA Bauchi Branchi for the visit and assured them of his support for the successful implementation of their programs.
The Controller advised them to look into the rising cases of rape in the State, as well as debts related cases amongst women which mostly brings them to detention facilities and to also have or conduct a forum where Area Court Judges will be enlightened and encouraged to refer parties to settle out of court without having to be taking in for detention.
by adminFIDA Cross River Trains CSOs, Senior Government officials and Parliamentarians on Gender Responsive Budgeting
FIDA Nigeria, Cross River State branch held a training on August 4, 2020 for CSOs, senior government officials and parliamentarians on Gender Responsive Budgeting held at the Chamber of the Cross River State House of Assembly . At the occasion, FIDA and her network of CSOs put forward a set of Advocacy Asks aimed at achieving gender equality and the socio-economic well being of women and girls.
by adminFIDA Nigeria Condemns the Wanton Killings and Destruction of Lives and Property Across the Country
FIDA Nigeria Condemns the Wanton Killings and Destruction of Lives and Property Across the Country
A nation in turmoil with daily reports of deadly attacks on communities, the insurgency is real with the regular raping, maiming and killing of women and children. The displacement of communities, targeted assaults, kidnapping and abductions, stealing by criminals and bandits even operating on the highways is a real nightmare, the culprits are often labeled and called different names, but simply put, they are CRIMINALS and must be brought to book.
We often hear of ‘Fulani Herdsmen’ who have zero respect for the traditions, culture, lives and properties of the communities they pass through, the murderous activities of Boko Haram terrorists in the northeast and now Al Quaeda infiltrating our communities. Not to mention the religious, political turmoil in communities and tribal interstate border clashes the list is endless as it certainly paints a dismal bleak picture.
Our vulnerable members of society find it most difficult dealing with the resultant effect of the endless destruction of their homes, property and farmlands; disruption of any form of normalcy in their lives. They are often forced into IDP camps and resettled in strange lands to take ‘temporary’ shelter… north, south, east or west, (most recently, in Kaduna, Plateau, Taraba, Benue and Borno States) the nation bleeds, living in fear. Insecurity is stifling and killing everything and everyone.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigeria, speaks out against these atrocities plaguing our nation cutting across most communities and states; we shout out that this is intolerable.
Nigerian lives are worth something and most of all, they matter!
Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) clearly provides that “…the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”
This primary duty and responsibility of government is principally for the common good of society, to secure and protect the lives and property of her people; to maintain law and order; ensure peace, maintain social order, while regulating, enforcing and defending the people. Citizens are entitled to enjoy their right to life and right to own, use and enjoy their property.
We must appreciate that without peace and social order, there can be no stability, growth and development. As such, our people cannot reach their full potentials and this is a great loss and a tremendous disservice to the nation.
Government must therefore take most seriously its mandate and responsibilities including the fundamental need of providing necessary facilities and infrastructures; while putting in place requisite structures, processes and systems to ensure an organized, peaceful and orderly society.
The protection of people’s fundamental human rights is sacrosanct and when infringed, the opportunity to have easy access to justice, to seek redress from an independent judiciary is also paramount.
FIDA Nigeria is greatly saddened by the terrible state of the nation, plagued by massive conflict, crises and great insecurity. Our vulnerable women and children endlessly cry out. FIDA condemns this current state of insecurity across the country causing great grief, distrust, anxiety, pain, fear, panic, discord and distress to citizens.
As a nation we must respect and value human life. In addition, we must compel our law enforcement officers and agencies who are sworn to shield and protect ordinarily citizens to step up and do same. They must carry out proactive, quick intelligence and investigative work, constantly verifying information received while protecting informants and victims.
We must effectively check miscreant and criminal activity in society and stop thuggery and negative militia group influence in our communities; likewise, the influx of illegal foreigners and their criminal activities, as we must efficiently police and secure our borders. Furthermore, administrative, legislative and judicial interventions must be structured to support all this; with constant monitoring and oversight responses to checkmate corruption and excessive behavior tendencies of the agencies is also key.
FIDA calls on the Federal, State and Local governments, to rise up and protect the lives and properties of her citizens; to massively recruit, train, equip and deploy security personnel to all troubled states to curb this menace; to compensate those who have lost property and to diligently prosecute and punish all criminals rather than negotiating with, releasing and or paying off rustlers, blackmailers, abductors and kidnappers, all wrongly packaged under the guise of resolving conflict and maintaining peace and order.
FIDA sincerely commiserates with all who have lost their loved ones; as we look forward to total healing and peace in our beloved country Nigeria.
Signed: For FIDA Nigeria
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by adminFIDA Nigeria Congratulates the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) For A Successful Election
The International Federation of Women Lawyers congratulates the Nigerian Bar Association ably led by the NBA National President Mr. Paul Usoro SAN, and his entire team, who worked hard to ensure a successful National General Elections for the NBA. We appreciate the efficient service provided ensuring a successful conduct of the election.
Furthermore, we congratulate the President-Elect Mr. Olumide Akpata & indeed all the highly distinguished elected officers of the just concluded NBA National General Elections. We look forward to a Greater Better Bar based on the beautiful promises you all made during campaigns. You must, as visionary leaders hit the ground running to accomplish the mission.
FIDA Nigeria in addition specially congratulates Mrs. Joyce Oduah FICMC who has made history as the second female lawyer to be elected as the Scribe of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) after Hairat Ade-Balogun (Life Bencher) who became the first female NBA General Secretary 39 years ago
Post Elections, we acknowledge that the elections were keenly contested following a lot of intrigues during the campaigns leading up to the elections. But in the spirit of good sportsmanship we encourage all parties to put the past behind and join hands to support the Bar move forward; united we stand tall and can accomplish all things for the general good of the profession and all.
FIDA is poised to support the NBA in achieving the association’s objectives. As key stakeholders and collaborators we stress that we desire a proactive, highly interactive, efficient, progressive, courageous, resourceful and inclusive Bar, doing great things professionally in the interest of ALL her members.
God bless you and grant you all great success as you serve passionately and diligently.
Congratulations & Kudos NBA!
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by adminCall For Applications
- Terms of Reference for Programme Officer
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation made up of over 2,000 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.
FIDA Nigeria is recruiting to fill the position below:
Job title: Programme Officer
Locations: Federal Capital Territory
Vacancy Type: Full Time
This position will work at the FIDA Nigeria National Secretariat, based in Abuja. The Programme Officer will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the FIDA Nigeria National President/Country Vice President, National Secretary and other National Executives.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will carry out the following tasks:
- Plan and implement multiple grant activities in close collaboration with other team members and proactively deal with arising challenges, nuances or changes.
- In collaboration with team members, develop and maintain stakeholder and network relationships which are essential to the successful implementation of the grants.
- Develop products and prepare project and activity reports, technical briefings, background papers and update notes for projects.
- Contribute to the adherence to donor/grant requirements, including financial standards.
- Collaborate with the Accounts staff to ensure the proper management of financial records, including the provision of complete documentation for requests and retirements.
- Support the smooth and effective flow of communication with FIDA Nigeria and all state branches.
Competencies
- Professionalism:
Demonstrates professional competence in women and children’s rights and rule of law as well as, knowledge of related policies and practices at the national, regional and international levels;
Demonstrates knowledge of programme management cycle, including monitoring and reporting;
Ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues with a display of persistency;
Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results;
Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
- Teamwork:
Ability to collaborate with colleagues within and outside of FIDA Nigeria to achieve organizational goals;
Ability to solicit inputs by genuinely valuing the ideas and expertise of others;
Willingness to learn from others;
Support and act in accordance with team and organizational decisions;
- Planning & Organizing:
Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate, and monitor work while prioritizing competing demands;
Foresight for risks and contingencies when planning;
Ability to monitor and adjust plans and projects as necessary;
- Communication:
Ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively with a range of audiences, including ability to prepare reports and make presentations in a variety of fora;
Ability to conduct presentations by clearly formulating positions on issues, articulating options concisely, conveying maximum necessary information as well as making and defending recommendations.
Job Requirements
Minimum Required Experience:
3 years’ work experience in Development, especially women and children’s’ rights programming
Experience in project implementation
Bachelor’s degree in Law, Sociology or related fields
Qualified candidates should send their curriculum vitae and application addressed to the Country Vice-President/National President to fidanigeria@yahoo.com.
Subject of e-mail should be “Application for the Position of Programme Officer”.
All applications must be submitted latest 19 August, 2020.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
2) Terms of Reference for Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
Job title: Monitoring & Evaluation Officer
Location: Abuja
Vacancy Type: Full Time
Terms of Reference
This position will be responsible for monitoring and evaluating projects implemented by FIDA Nigeria. The Monitoring and Evaluation Officer will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the FIDA Nigeria National President/Country Vice President, National Secretary and other National Executives.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will carry out the following tasks:
- Develop and strengthen monitoring, evaluation and learning procedures
- Monitor all project activities, expenditure and progress towards achieving project outcome indicators
- Monitor and evaluate overall progress on achievement of results
- Provide feedback to the Programme Manager/Senior Programme Officer on project strategies and activities
- Suggest strategies for project management to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of project implementation by identifying bottlenecks in completing project activities and developing plans to minimize or eliminate such bottlenecks
- Report monthly, quarterly, half-yearly and annual progress on all projects to the National Executives and Programme Manager/Senior Programme Officer
- Conduct a capacity assessment on the existing monitoring and evaluation system
- Provide inputs, information and statistics for periodic reports to the project management team and development partners
- Participate in annual project reviews and planning workshops and assist the Programme Manager/Senior Programme Officer in preparing relevant reports
Competencies
- Professionalism:
Demonstrates professional competence in women and children’s rights and rule of law as well as, knowledge of related policies and practices at the national, regional and international levels;
Demonstrates knowledge of programme management cycle, including monitoring and reporting;
Ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues with a display of persistency;
Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results;
Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
- Teamwork:
Ability to collaborate with colleagues within and outside of FIDA Nigeria to achieve organizational goals;
Ability to solicit inputs by genuinely valuing the ideas and expertise of others;
Willingness to learn from others;
Support and act in accordance with team and organizational decisions;
- Planning & Organizing:
Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate, and monitor work while prioritizing competing demands;
Foresight for risks and contingencies when planning;
Ability to monitor and adjust plans and projects as necessary;
- Communication:
Ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively with a range of audiences, including ability to prepare reports and make presentations in a variety of fora;
Ability to conduct presentations by clearly formulating positions on issues, articulating options concisely, conveying maximum necessary information as well as making and defending recommendations.
Job Requirements
Minimum Required Experience:
3 years’ work experience in Development, especially women and children’s’ rights programming
Experience in project implementation
Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Sociology or related fields
Qualified candidates should send their curriculum vitae and application addressed to the Country Vice-President/National President to fidanigeria@yahoo.com.
Subject of e-mail should be “Application for the Position of M&E Officer”.
All applications must be submitted latest 19 August, 2020.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
by adminWorld Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2020
Trafficking in persons is a serious crime which often transcends borders (state or international) and is a grave violation of human rights.
Victims of human trafficking are deprived of their most basic human right which is the right to freedom, they are often forced into cruel and dehumanizing living and working conditions and are helpless to leave their exploitative situation or seek help.
In Nigeria, human trafficking is specifically criminalized under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act, 2003. In addition, the Child Rights Act 2003 (CRA) also criminalizes child trafficking, but sadly only 25 of the country’s 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, have enacted the law. FIDA encourages the remaining States to enact the CRA.
Section 82 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 defines “Trafficking or traffic in persons” as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons by means of threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, the abuse of power of a position of vulnerability or the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person or debt bondage for the purpose of placing or holding the person whether for or not in involuntary servitude (domestic, sexual or reproductive) in forced or bonded labour, or in slavery-like conditions, the removal of organs or generally for exploitative purposes. There are indeed many facets to human trafficking for which we must be mindful of.
The act is evil and criminal and mostly targeted at vulnerable people; it must be stopped!
The UN theme for this year’s commemoration is “Working on the frontline to end human trafficking”, with a focus on the first responders to human trafficking. This covers the various people who work in the different sectors – those identifying, supporting, counselling and seeking justice for victims of trafficking; while also challenging the impunity of the traffickers.
During this COVID-19 pandemic, the essential role of first responders has become even more important, particularly as the restrictions imposed by the pandemic have made their work even more difficult. Still, their contribution is often overlooked and unrecognized. FIDA commends the effort and service of all first responders and all NGOs playing a key supporting role here.
According to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) 2019 report, two hundred and three cases were fully investigated by the Agency. Cases of child abuse and procurement of persons for sexual exploitation constituted 17.7% and 9.4% respectively. NAPTIP also reports that the average age of trafficked children in Nigeria is 15, while Nigeria has now upgraded to a Tier 2 country on the U.S. State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report (2019). 75% of those who are trafficked within Nigeria are trafficked across states, while 23% are trafficked within states NAPTIP (2016) report. We must keep a careful watch on these numbers, and improve on data collection.
– Lack of adequate social service and support providers, such as medical care, housing, transportation, interpreters, counselling, and legal advice.
– Limited understanding of all aspects of labour trafficking based on clear definitions with properly laid out government programmes and policies for labour trafficked victims.
– Lack of proper co-ordination amongst key government agencies responsible for enforcing different aspects of workers’ rights often resulting in inadequate protection of victims
Many trafficked victims often fall prey because they seek a better life or enhanced economic opportunities. They are, therefore, vulnerable to false promises of good jobs and higher wages. Political instability, militarism, civil unrest, internal armed conflict, natural disasters and indeed the negative effects of the Covid19 pandemic can also result in an increased number of victims in trafficking.
The destabilization and displacement of communities as such increases their vulnerability to exploitation and abuse through trafficking and forced labor. Consequently, civil strife and people from displaced communities, living in IDP camps and so forth likewise results in a lot of orphans and street children who become extremely vulnerable and susceptible to trafficking. We must again be watchful and guard against this, while taking pre-emptive steps to greatly reduce such occurrences.
FIDA Nigeria therefore calls on all to support the fight against human trafficking
– Quip, collaborate with and support the various people who work in the different sectors, identifying, supporting, counselling and seeking justice for victims of trafficking especially the relevant agencies such as NAPTIP and NHRC
– Government needs to put greater protective and security measures in place to curtail the crime of human trafficking. -State and national borders need to be better regulated to ensure that people are not subjected to illegal transportation and exploitation.
– Ensure regular and consistent human trafficking awareness trainings and sensitization for individuals, businesses, first responders, law enforcement, educators, and employees, among others
– Advocacy/outreaches targeted at the youth/parents/guardians to help mitigate the menace of trafficking.
FIDA Nigeria appreciates the hard work agencies and ministries of government including NGOs are doing in this respect. FIDA pledges continued support in the fight against human trafficking and looks forward to more collaborations in this fight to ensure that women and children can live in a society free from exploitation and abuse.
FIDA NIGERIA says NO to all forms of trafficking
#EndHumanTrafficking
#HumanTrafficking
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria