by adminFIDA trains election observers on documenting violence against women in Kaduna State
On the 13th of February 2023, FIDA Nigeria organized a one-day training workshop in Kaduna State to strengthen the capacity of accredited observers drawn across the 23 LGAs in the state on observing, documenting and reporting women’s participation and incidences of electoral violence perpetrated against women before and during the 2023 General Elections.
by adminFIDA Nigeria Holds a capacity-Building workshop on increasing gender-sensitive information and awareness-raising on the menace of SGBV & CEFM for Traditional & Faith Leaders across Southern Nigeria
FIDA Nigeria is currently Organizing a Three-Day Capacity Building Workshop for 25 Traditional and Faith Leaders drawn from 16 Communities across three focal states in Southern Nigeria namely Delta, Edo and Ebonyi.
The activity commenced on Thursday 9th February 2023 and will culminate on Saturday 11th February 2023 in Asaba, Delta State.
The workshop aims at increasing gender-sensitive information and awareness-raising on the menace of Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) and Child Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM) through strengthening traditional and faith based Leaders on the prevention and response strategies in local communities where these issues are prevalent through this training.
These Community and Faith-based Leaders will be able to institutionalize and establish coordinated response and referral pathways in tandem with Law Enforcement agencies towards arrests and prosecution of perpetrators of these crimes while working with state actors to create a gender-sensitive and protective environment for survivors.
by adminFIDA trains election observers on documenting violence against women in Plateau State
With barely two weeks to the nation’s general elections, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, has identified violence as a major cause hindering the effective participation of women in politics.
It also decried the steady decline in women’s participation in politics, especially at the parliamentary level.
Country Vice President/National President FIDA, Mrs. Amina Agbaje said this at the capacity building workshop for accredited election observers, on documenting and reporting violence against women during the 2023 general elections, held in Jos, the Plateau State Capital.
Agbaje said, “Women constitute a powerful electorate with millions of votes in Nigeria.
“According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigerian women signaled their intention to make their voices heard in the 2019 elections, accounting for about 47.14 percent (39, 598, 645 million) of the 84, 004, 084 million registered voters nationwide.
“Going into the 2023 general elections, there has been an interest in the number of female voters from 39, 598, 645 to 44, 414, 846 and from 47.14% in 2019 to 47.51% in 2023.
“Women represent about 50% of the Nigerian population; in spite of this, their level of participation and representation is increasingly very poor”, She lamented.
“Current statistics of women in parliament in Nigeria confirm that women’s representation in parliament is on a steady decline.
“9% in 2007, 7% in 2011, 5% in 2015, and less than 10% in the 9th National Assembly”, the FIDA President decried.
“Using the 2015 figures, there are only 4 women deputy governors in all of Nigeria’s 36 States”, She maintained.
“While factors militating against women’s participation are varied, a major cause hindering effective participation of women in politics is the issue of violence”, she explained.
Agbaje maintained that eradication of political violence was key in advancing women’s political participation stressing the importance of condensing political violence before and after polls to allow women participate fully.
“It is on this premise that this capacity building workshop is being organised towards advancing the participation of women in the 2023 general elections by strengthening our selected observers who are being accredited by INEC to identify, observe, document and report incidences of violence against women in the elections.
by adminFemale genital mutilation, an evil act – FIDA
By Abiodun Azi
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Lagos Branch, has condemned Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), describing it as an evil act.
Mrs. Chinwe Efobi, Chairperson, FIDA, made the assertion on Thursday in Lagos at an event to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM is observed on Feb. 6 every year.
According to Efobi, the day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders involved in ending FGM to celebrate achievements, advocate for abandonment of the practice and raise awareness.
She said it was in this vein that FIDA Lagos joins the world to commemorate the Day which had the 2023 theme as: “Partnership with Men and Boys to Transform Social and Gender Norms to End FGM”.
She explained that FGM referred to all procedures involving partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
She said it was most often carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15, and usually referred to as circumcision.
“From statistics available, globally, more than 200 million women and girls have been mutilated.
“In Nigeria alone, more than 20 million women and girls have been mutilated and this figure represents 10 percent of the global total.
“What this figure means in essence is that one out of every 10 mutilated girls or women in the world is a Nigerian,” she said.
Efobi said that there were so many reasons why FGM was practiced in Nigeria, some of which are culturally inclined, patriarchal system or religious/cultural obligation.
She said it was sad to note that a number of countries still engage in the practice of FGM in spite the fact that some of the perpetrators are aware of the adverse effects on the lives of the victims.
She said that FGM affects young girls more than older women and the psychological effects could impact the lives of a young girl throughout her life.
She said, “FIDA Nigeria, Lagos branch, calls on all stakeholders to raise more awareness in the fight against FGM, and we must not relent in our efforts to raise our voices.
“We must take this campaign to families and communities still practicing this evil act.
“We also call on all government agencies saddled with enforcement responsibilities to take the issue of FGM more seriously.
“To curb the spread of this practice, more perpetrators need to be prosecuted and punished speedily to help achieve a sane and safe environment for women and girls to live in a society free of FGM,” she said.
by admin2023 Election: FIDA Nigeria holds workshop on reporting violence against women
As the 2023 general elections draw nearer, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) on the 2nd of February 2023, held a workshop to train observers on reporting acts of violence against women during elections in Nigeria.
In her address at the program, the FIDA Nigeria Country Vice President/National President, Mrs. Amina Agabaje, which was delivered by the Ilorin branch FIDA chairperson, Barrister Gloria Okoduwa stressed that the one-day workshop is meant for accredited observers on observing, documenting and reporting incidences of electoral violence perpetrated against women before and during the 2023 General Elections.
She revealed that a similar workshop was being implemented across the four focal states of the intervention namely Kwara (North Central), Borno (North East), Plateau (North Central) and Kaduna (North West).In her words,
“Women constitute a powerful electorate with millions of votes in Nigeria. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigerian women signaled their intention to make their voices heard in the 2019 election, accounting for about 47.14 percent (39,598,645 million) of the 84.004.084 million registered voters nationwide.
“Going into the 2023 general elections, there has been an increase in the number of female voters from 39.598,645 to 44.414.846 and from 47,14% in 2019 to 47.51% in 2023 evidently women represent about 50% of the Nigerian population.
“In spite of this, their level of political participation and representation is increasingly very poor.
“Current statistics of women in parliament in Nigeria confirm that women representation in parliament is on a steady decline. 9% in 2007, 7% in 201-1, 5% in 2015 and less than 10% in the 9th National Assembly. Using the 2015 figures, there are only 4 women deputy governors in all of Nigeria’s 36 states. While factors militating against women participation are varied, a major cause hindering effective participation of women in politics is the issue of violence.
“She noted that the eradication of political violence is key in advancing women political participation as it is of paramount importance to condense political violence before and after elections so that women can fully participate in elections.
“The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) in laying credence to this fact have clearly recognized that, elections have triggered outbreaks of violence in which women and girls were victimized which have made women a tool of political harassment and violence before during and after elections.
“This has made female voters continue to be disproportionately affected by various forms of election-related violence or threats of violence which is the effect of keeping them away from the polling stations more than male voters.
“It is on this premise that this capacity building workshop is being organized towards advancing the participation of women in the 2023 general elections,” she said.
by adminFIDA Nigeria is recruiting to fill the positions below
Vacancy for the position of project officer, Edo State
ABOUT FIDA NIGERIA
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (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.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Project Officer
Location: Edo State
Job Type: 1-year Contract
Reports to: Programme Manager.
Job Summary
- The Project officer under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager will support the Programme Department in project implementation, project delivery, reporting, resource mobilization, and other related needs were necessary.
- Under the supervision of the Programme Manager, provide technical leadership on the implementation of the project in the State.
- Plan and implement project activities in the state in close collaboration with the resident FIDA State branch and proactively deal with arising challenges, nuances, or changes.
- In collaboration with the resident FIDA state branch, develop and maintain stakeholder and network relationships which are essential to the successful implementation of the project.
- Develop products and prepare project and activity reports, technical briefings, background papers, and update notes for the Palladium project in the State.
- Work to ensure the successful implementation of the project in the state;
- Contribute to the adherence to donor/grant requirements, including financial standards.
- Collaborate with the Finance 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 the state branch.
- Support the Programme Manager and other project staff in maintaining communication with partners, including official letters, requests for technical assistance, and the process of identifying participants and national experts, including trainers, for activities under the project.
- Represent (with approval from the Branch Chairperson and Program Manager) the state branch at meetings, and workshops relating to this project and report back to the respective persons.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the National Exco, Branch Chairperson, or Branch Exco and the Programme Manager.
Qualifications & Competency Requirements
Minimum of a BSc in Law, Social Science, Arts, or any other related field.
Minimum of 2-3 years cognate working experience within the NGO Space.
Knowledge of SGBV & CEFM issues, advocacy, research, and policy development.
Excellent presentation, facilitation, problem-solving and analytical skills.
Ability to communicate (written and verbal) effectively with a wide range of audiences at various levels.
Ability to build and maintain relationships with partner agencies and key contacts in the government, NGO, civil society, and media sectors.
Ability to work independently and manage various projects with limited supervision.
Good knowledge and use of MS Suite (excel, word, PowerPoint and outlook)
Must be resident in Edo State
Willing to start immediately
Languages Skills:
- Must be fluent in English.
Application Closing Date:
Friday 3rd February 2023
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their Cover Letter and CV to: hr@fida.org.ng using the Job Title and Location as the subject of the mail.
Note
- Resumes should include references.
- Do NOT send links to online resumes or CVs.
- Candidates should use the following subject in their email submission “Job Title”
- Only successful candidates will be contacted.
by adminFIDA Nigeria organized a one-day validation workshop on the proposed Kano State ACJL rules towards improving the speedy dispensation of corruption cases
FIDA Nigeria with support from MacArthur Foundation in implementing a project on “Strengthening collaboration among Criminal Justice actors to deepen the Criminal Justice Architecture to ensure the effective implementation of the ACJA/ACJL” in 6 States of the Federation, as one of its activities sought to provide technical support in the development and or review of the practice directions on the ACJL in its implementing states, in line with the project’s goal of effective implementation of the ACJL as well as improving Judicial transparency, accountability, and Anti-corruption.
On this premise, FIDA Nigeria on the 18th of January 2023 held a validation workshop on the proposed draft of the Kano State ACJL Rules of 2022 resulting from the workshop held on the 1st of December, 2022. Upon validation by all stakeholders present, it was agreed that the clean copy of the document be forwarded to the Honourable Chief Judge of Kano state for his signature.
FIDA Nigeria will through this process across its other implementing states, support the development and review of the State’s practice direction on the ACJA/ACJL, to aid quick dispensation of justice, particularly in corruption cases.
by adminFIDA Ondo courtesy visit to the state Head of Service
On 17th January 2023, members of FIDA Ondo ably led by the Chairperson, Catherine Ogunjebi paid a courtesy visit to the Head of Service of the State Pastor Kayode Ogundele
The Call became imperative upon the receipt of various complaints by women working in various MDAs of government who were required to produce marriage certificates in some instances, and some others to change their names reflecting the father of their child as a prerequisite to their entitled statutory maternity leave.
FIDA engaged him on this matter noting that women should be permitted to work without hindrance and to enjoy statutory benefits accruing to them without encumbrances
The Head of Service assured FIDA of taking steps to address all issues discussed.
by adminFIDA Nigeria confirmed by INEC as an accredited observer for the 2023 national elections
FIDA Nigeria has acquired an accredited observer status with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). As a result of this accreditation, FIDA Nigeria will train and deploy about 300 field observers across 4 states (Borno, Kaduna, Kwara & Plateau) on the Women’s political participation project and other 32 states inclusive of FCT to observe the participation of women and forms of violence perpetrated against women during the General Elections.
FIDA Nigeria will coordinate this observation through a central situation room at the National Capital, Abuja. This will be supported by the UNwomen and Govt of Canada
by adminFIDA Nigeria is recruiting to fill the positions below
Programme Officer, Accounts Officer 2, and Asst. Communications Officer
VACANCY FOR THE POSITION OF PROGRAMME OFFICER.
ABOUT FIDA NIGERIA
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (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.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Program Officer
Location: Abuja
Job Type: Full Time
Reports to: National Programmes Manager.
Job Summary
The Programme officer under the direct supervision of the National Programme Manager will support the Programme Department In project implementation, project delivery, reporting, resource mobilization, and other related needs were necessary.
Job Responsibilities
- Grant writing/ proposal writing tasks to receive or obtain grants from prospective donors.
- Support and produce reports of meetings, activities and workshops/trainings, as directed.
- In collaboration with the communications and MEAL team ensure that lessons, success stories and quality data are collected, analyzed and properly disseminated to numerous and varied target audience.
- Provide regular updates and reports to the Programme Manager, on progress, priorities and constraints – verbally and in writing on an agreed frequency.
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with a network of external contacts like key individuals in the government, NGO sector, civil society and the media.
- Contribute to formulation of key advocacy messages and targets from lessons learned.
- Ensure regular meetings are conducted among the project team on progress work and further analysis on needs for change to donor requests through open and constant channels of communication with donors.
- Conduct networking and advocacy activities that help to develop and sustain work relationship with internal/external stakeholders.
- Leverage on strategic relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders at the sub-national and national levels.
- Ensuring monthly, quarterly and annual project narrative reports are prepared and documented promptly, aligning with project design and donor requirements.
Qualifications & Competency Requirements
Minimum of a BSc in Law, Social Science, Arts or any other related field.
Minimum of 2-3 years cognate working experience within the NGO Space.
Knowledge of SGBV & CEFM issues, advocacy, research and policy development.
Excellent presentation, facilitation, problem-solving and analytical skills.
Ability to communicate (written and verbal) effectively with a wide range of audiences at various levels.
Ability to build and maintain relationships with partner agencies and key contacts in the government, NGO, civil society and media sectors.
Ability to work independently and manage various projects with limited supervision.
Good knowledge and use of MS Suite (excel, word, power point and outlook)
Willingness to travel to any part of the country for project activity implementation at short notice.
Languages Skills:
- Must be fluent in English.
Application Closing Date
25th January 2023.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their Cover Letter and CV
to: hr@fida.org.ng using the
Job Title and Location as the subject of the mail.
Note
- The document should be a cover letter first.
- Resumes should include references.
- Do NOT send links to online resumes or CVs.
- Candidates should use the following subject in their email submission “Job Title”
- Only final candidates will be contacted.
VACANCY FOR THE POSITION OF FINANCE OFFICER II
ABOUT FIDA NIGERIA
Job title: Finance Officer 11
Location: Abuja.
Job type: full time
Job Summary
- The Finance officer II under the direct supervision of the Finance Manager will assist the finance team in performing routine finance tasks and helping the program team on finance-related needs were necessary.
Responsibilities and Essential Duties
- Raise day-to-day payment vouchers as required
- Ensures that all supporting documents are available and attached to the payment vouchers
- Ensure effective handling of office petty cash
- Posting of financial transactions on Sage 50
- Ensure travel and activity advances from the field offices are retired timeously
- Ensure all vouchers are serially numbered and stamped paid
- Ensure proper filling and archival of finance documents for easy retrieval
- Make payments to participants for meetings and workshops
- Support the unit with maintaining healthy cashflow across the states
- Support with budgetary function and provide guidance to various units on budget lines and budget implementation
- Ensure proper photocopying and scanning of monthly payment vouchers
- Support the Finance Officer in the submission of PAYE and Withholding Tax Cheques
- Ensure the safe receipt, handling, and banking of Staff retirements funds
- Support the state team with finance-related field activities
- Backstop for the Finance Officer when necessary
- Financial budgeting for project proposal
- Traveling, disbursement of funds, and project monitoring
- Project financial report
- Complete other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree or HND in Accounting, or Finance.
- Minimum of 1 – 2 years working experience with a donor-funded project.
- Knowledge and experience of USAID regulations is a plus. Experience using Sage 50, QuickBooks, Ms. Office packages especially Ms. Excel is required.
Languages Skills:
- Must be fluent in English.
ApplicationClosingDate
25th January 2023.
MethodofApplication
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their Cover Letter and CV
to: hr@fida.org.ng using the Job title and location as
the subject of the mail.
Note
- The document should be cover letter first.
- Resumes should include references.
- Do NOT send links to online resumes or CVs.
- Candidates should use the following subject in their email submission “Job Title”
- Only final candidates will be contacted.
VACANCY FOR THE POSITION OF ASST. COMMUNICATION OFFICER
Job title: Assistant Communication Officer
Location: Abuja
Vacancy Type: fixed-term, renewable
Terms of Reference
Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and publish press statements advocating for issues or reflecting views within the FIDA mandate, subject to the approval of the Communication Officer
- Plan and implement communication campaigns e.g. press conferences.
- Develop and publish the periodic FIDA Alert.
- Develop and publish content for the E-LOYA magazine.
- Populate FIDA’s social media handles with current branch and national activities.
- Maintain and establish relationship media partners to ensure that the activities of the organisation are publicised.
- Monitor, upgrade, re-design and publish/upload information on the FIDA Nigeria website.
- Provide I.T support to the National Secretariat.
- When required, participate in and support courtesy visits to key partners and stakeholders along with or on behalf of the National Officers.
- Represent FIDA at meetings, trainings, workshops etc. on publicity, media, IT and communications, with approval of the National Executive Committee.
- Collaborate with colleagues to create synergy and achieve full coordination of projects and activities. Perform other duties as assigned by the National President/Country Vice President, the National Publicity Secretary, other National Officers and the Program Manager.
Competencies
1. 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 persistence;
Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results;
Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
2. 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 following the team and organizational decisions.
3. Planning & Organizing:
Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate, and monitor work while prioritizing competing demands;
Foresight for risks and contingencies when planning.
4. Communication:
Ability to write clearly and concisely and to communicate effectively with a range of audiences, including the 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.
Qualification
- A degree in Bsc in Mass communications, social sciences, Arts
- At least three (3) years of relevant work experience in communications, social media management, content creation or other related field.
- Ability to create graphic designs using Canva, indesign, Photoshop or CorelDraw.
- Photography skill is desirable.
- Knowledge of WordPress website management, maintenance, monitoring traffic and performance.
- Excellent Oral and Written Communication Skills and a creative eye.
- Discretion and ability to handle confidential issues.
- Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with others in a diverse team, across organizational boundaries and multiple locations, and with team members at all levels.
- Confidence and enthusiasm when communicating with both external partners and the internal project teams in formal and informal presentations
- A passion for social change with interest in the field of gender equality, human rights, SOGIESC, social justice, and civic engagement.
- Exceptional professionalism, follow-through and people skills.
- Personal qualities of humility, capacity for self-reflection, and/or a sense of humour is a plus.
- Availability to travel within and outside Nigeria.
Qualified candidates should send their curriculum vitae and application addressed to the Country Vice-President/National President to hr@fida.org.ng
The subject of the e-mail should be “Communications officer”.
Deadline:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.