by FIDAJob Vacancy for United Nations Spotlight Initiate (UNSI) Funded Project Program Officer
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, is a national non-profit, non-governmental, civil society organization of women lawyers established 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. The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigeria has been at the forefront of advocating for laws and policies that protect the rights, including sexual and reproductive health rights, and dignity of women and girls; that ultimately seek to prevent all forms of violence that may be meted against them. In pursuing our objectives, we carry out advocacy, citizen engagement, and policy campaigns. We also provide technical assistance in legal education, training, mediation, and counseling to governmental and non-governmental institutions.
FIDA Nigeria is recruiting to fill the position below:
Job title: Program Officer
Location: Lagos
Type: One-year fixed term
Background
The project aims to support a Nigeria where all women and girls, particularly the most vulnerable, live a life free from violence and harmful practices. We are convinced that this can be achieved by providing essential, safe and adequate multi-sectoral services for victims and survivors of VAWG/SGBV/HP and the promotion of the sexual and reproductive health rights of women and girls. Working with women’s and girls’ rights advocates and CSOs, FIDA Nigeria will advocate for gender-responsive budgeting at relevant government ministries and houses of assembly to eliminate VAWG/SGBV/HP and promote women and girls’ sexual and reproductive health rights at the national and sub-national levels.
The individual will work on the United Nations Spotlight Initiate (UNSI) Funded Project to Eliminate Violence against Women and Girls in Lagos State, Nigeria. The Program Officer will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the FIDA Nigeria National President/Country Vice President, National Secretary, and other members of the National Executive Council, and would report to these individuals through the Programme Manager.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will carry out the following tasks:
o Plan and implement the UNSI Project activities in Lagos State in close collaboration with the resident FIDA State branch and proactively deal with arising challenges, nuances or changes.
o 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.
o Develop products and prepare Project and activity reports, technical briefings, background papers and update notes for the UNSI in the state.
o Contribute to the adherence to donor/grant requirements, including financial standards.
o Collaborate with the Accounts Unit to ensure the proper management of financial records, including the provision of complete documentation for requests and retirements.
o Support the smooth and effective flow of communication between FIDA Nigeria and the State branch.
Competencies
- Professionalism:
Demonstrates professional competence in women and children’s rights, 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 drive 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, 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 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.
Job Requirements - Minimum Required Experience:
2 years’ work experience in addressing women’s and children’s rights issues
Experience in project implementation
Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following: Law, Sociology & Related fields
Legislative advocacy would be an added advantage
Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
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 Program Officer [State]”. E.G. “Application for the Position of Program Officer Lagos State Branch”.
Deadline: 30th April, 2022.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
by FIDAFIDA Rivers Organized a One-Day Workshop On the ACJL – Practical Approach To Arrest And Related Matters For Law Enforcement Agencies
FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch in collaboration with Rivers State Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council, Rivers State Police Command, International Committee of the Red Cross, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria ( LACON) and Nigeria Bar Association (Port Harcourt Branch), held a one day Workshop on: “Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) – Practical Approach to Arrest and Related Matters for Law Enforcement Agencies and Launch of the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme ( PDSS) in Rivers State”.
The event held on the 13th of April, 2022 at the NBA Port Harcourt Branch House. In attendance were Honourable Judges of the Rivers State High Court and Magistrates, with 250 participants drawn from different Police Formation Division in the State and other Stakeholders present.
The intensive workshop was declared open by the Chief Judge of Rivers State; Hon. Justice S.C Amadi, while the Keynote Address was delivered by the Representative of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State.
The Workshop had four different sessions on notable provisions of the ACJL, Accessing free Legal Aid Services at the Police Station: A case study of the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme(PDSS), New Practice Direction and Police Reporting Obligations in the State. These Sessions were anchored by eminent resource persons such as; Mrs. Evelyn Asimiea (DCVP) FIDA Nigeria, Mrs.Nnenna Igbokwe (Chairperson Emeritus FIDA Rivers), and other Resource Persons from the International Red Cross Committee, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, FIDA Nigeria Rivers State Branch, and the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitory Council.
The workshop was indeed a huge success and will go a long way in strengthening the Criminal Justice System in Rivers State.
by FIDAFIDA Rivers Held a One-day Workshop on the ACJL – Practical Approach to Arrest And Related Matters For Law Enforcement Agencies
FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch in collaboration with Rivers State Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council, Rivers State Police Command, International Committee of the Red Cross, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria ( LACON) and Nigeria Bar Association (Port Harcourt Branch), held a one day Workshop on: “Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) – Practical Approach to Arrest and Related Matters for Law Enforcement Agencies and Launch of the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme ( PDSS) in Rivers State”.
The event held on the 13th of April, 2022 at the NBA Port Harcourt Branch House. In attendance were Honourable Judges of the Rivers State High Court and Magistrates, with 250 participants drawn from different Police Formation Division in the State and other Stakeholders present.
The intensive workshop was declared open by the Chief Judge of Rivers State; Hon. Justice S.C Amadi, while the Keynote Address was delivered by the Representative of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State.
The Workshop had four different sessions on notable provisions of the ACJL, Accessing free Legal Aid Services at the Police Station: A case study of the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme(PDSS), New Practice Direction and Police Reporting Obligations in the State. These Sessions were anchored by eminent resource persons such as; Mrs. Evelyn Asimiea (DCVP) FIDA Nigeria, Mrs.Nnenna Igbokwe (Chairperson Emeritus FIDA Rivers), and other Resource Persons from the International Red Cross Committee, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, FIDA Nigeria Rivers State Branch, and the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitory Council.
The workshop was indeed a huge success and will go a long way in strengthening the Criminal Justice System in Rivers State.
by FIDAFIDA Conducts a One-day Workshop on the ACJA and other Anti- Corruption legislative frameworks in Nigeria
On Thursday, 7th of April 2022, FIDA Nigeria, Abuja branch carried out a one-day workshop on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and other Anti-Corruption legislative frameworks in Nigeria.
Participants were drawn from ICPC, EFCC, FCT Judiciary, prosecutors from the Federal Ministry of Justice, Nigerian Police force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Customs Service, Legal Aid Council, Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and FIDA members from prestigious law firms in the FCT.
The Facilitator, an expert on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and Anti-Corruption laws gave a very rich presentation that was engaging and took Participants through the four areas of interest and more.
by FIDACall For Expression of Interest to Conduct A Short-Term Research on Impacts of Violent Policing On Women And Young People In Kaduna State
Introduction
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is a non-profit, non-governmental organization made up of over 4,000 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 seeking to engage the below professional:
Job title: Formative Researcher
Locations: Kaduna State
Vacancy Type: 10 days fixed-term, non-renewable (20th to 30th April 2022)
The individual will work on FIDA Nigeria implementation of the “Safer Policing Initiative, Seen through My Eyes – The Impacts of Violent Policing” in Kaduna State.
Background
FIDA Nigeria received a research grant from Amnesty International Nigeria (AIN) with support from Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) to implement a programme titled “Safer Policing Initiative: Seen through My Eyes – The Impacts of Violent Policing with an overall objective of creating a human right-based policing culture in Nigeria with a zero-tolerance attitude to unlawful police activity- specifically excessive use of force”.
Purpose of Consultancy
The goal of the programme is to raise public awareness about the wider negative impacts of excessive use of force by the police on young people and women in Nigeria by promoting the research report and exhibition of photographs with a view to ensuring that:
- The general public is better informed about the negative impacts of police brutality on the victims, especially young people and women
- The general public holds the police more accountable by reporting cases of police brutality to the Police Public Complaints Response Unit (PPCRU), Police Service Commission (PSC), National Human Rights Commission, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the Press
- The Nigeria Police will be more aware of the negative impacts of excessive use of force by its personnel on the citizens and take more proactive actions to end the practice through more civil engagements with the communities and promoting respect for human rights among its personnel
- Civil Society Organizations and the Press will support efforts at holding the Nigeria Police more accountable in the discharge of its duties to the citizens
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will carry out the following tasks under the supervision of the Programme Manager:
a. Research and report on the damaging impacts of police brutality on ten (10) young people and women in Kaduna State across four local government areas of Kaduna State. (Research and Community Engagement).
b. Collate and submit photographs that tell stories of the impacts of excessive use of force by police on ten(10) citizens for the development of Seen through My Eyes website
c. Carry out data gathering through interviews of ten (10) community members and collation of action photographs that tell stories of impacts of excessive use of force by the police in the communities
d. Produce evidence-based reports of negative impacts of excessive use of force by the police on women and young people in the communities
e. Report of research with action photographs depicting engagements with at least 10 direct victims of excessive use of force by the police and the complaints response unit of the Nigeria Police Force.
f. Interviews with 10 victims (young people and women) in at least four (4) local government areas of the state
g. Perform other duties as assigned by the National Executive Committee, branch chairperson or programme manager.
The Researcher will work under the overall guidance and supervision of FIDA Nigeria National President/Country Vice President, National Secretary and other National Executives, and report to them through the Programme Manager
Deliverables
- Report of research with action photographs depicting engagements with at least 10 direct victims of excessive use of force by the police and the complaints response unit of the Nigeria Police Force. Interviews with 10 victims (young people and women) in at least four (4) local government areas of the state.
Competencies
- Professionalism:
a. Demonstrates professional competence in human rights especially as it relates to police brutality, rule of law as well as, knowledge of related policies and practices at the national, regional and international levels;
b. Demonstrates good understanding of the Amnesty International funded project to mitigate the incidence of police brutality, through community-led change, by altering the social norms, beliefs and traditional practices that subjugate people in the target communities.
c. Demonstrates knowledge of project management cycle, including monitoring and reporting;
d. Ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues with a display of persistency;
e. Commitment and passion for work and achievements;
f. Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results;
g. Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
h. Display of persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges and ability to remain calm in stressful situations;
i. Ability to incorporate gender and child rights perspectives in projects and activities and in ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
- Teamwork:
a. Proven interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
b. Ability to collaborate with colleagues within and outside of FIDA Nigeria to achieve organizational goals;
c. Ability to solicit inputs by genuinely valuing the ideas and expertise of others;
d. Willingness to learn from others;
e. Support and act in accordance with team and organizational decisions; - Planning & Organizing:
a. Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate, and monitor work while prioritizing competing demands;
b. Ability to work on tight deadlines;
c. Knowledge and skill on how to develop clear goals consistent with agreed strategies;
d. Foresight for risks and contingencies when planning;
e. Ability to monitor and adjust plans and projects as necessary;
f. Ability to use time efficiently. - Communication:
a. 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;
b. 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:
a. 5 years’ work experience in the thematic areas of research especially in human rights and rule of law.
b. Experience working in the criminal justice sector.
c. Experience in project implementation. - Minimum Qualifications:
a. Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following: Law, Political Science or any discipline in the Social Sciences.
b.Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English, Hausa & any prominent local language spoken in the state is desirable and an added advantage.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates should send curriculum vitae and cover letter addressed to the Country Vice-President/National President to hr@fida.org.ng or fidanigeria@yahoo.com
Subject of e-mail should be “Application for the Position of Formative Researcher [Kaduna State]”.
Timeframe
Deadline: Monday April 19th , 2022.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Calls for Better Support in Gender-Based Violence Cases
The latest spate of gender-based violence which increases exponentially day by day, is alarming and quite frankly disturbing. It underscores the critical need to act swiftly to stem the ugly tide, while better supporting victims of abuse to survive.
A cursory glance at the incidences of GBV in Nigeria and around the world, would show that this scourge is a hideous epidemic that needs to be annihilated.
Sadly, despite the provisions of the law, particularly the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP) that criminalizes acts of violence which include physical, sexual, verbal, socio-economic, psychological violence and the likes, this scourge encouraged by factors such as underreporting, impunity of perpetrators, cultural/religious beliefs, family/cultural influence, gender inequality, survivor stigmatization/blame, perpetrator threats, denial/secrecy/culture of silence, societal norms, harmful gender norms, etc, continues unabated.
The recent case of the late Mrs. Osinachi Nwachukwu readily comes to mind. When the story broke online and on most social media platforms of her untimely death allegedly at the hands of her husband, FIDA with her core objective of protecting, promoting and preserving the rights of women and children, took active steps as regards this matter, calling for full and proper immediate investigations. We are glad that the relevant arm of law has swung into action with the alleged perpetrator currently in police custody for culpable homicide. We condole with the family over this great loss as we are poised to ensure that no stone remains unturned in the fight for justice for the late Osinachi.
GBV is one of the most prevalent human rights violations that knows no social, economic or national boundaries; particularly that targeted at women which has been recognized all over the world as a public health problem with far reaching consequences for the physical, sexual, reproductive and mental health of women, also hindering women and girls from contributing to national development.
FIDA has continually advocated, provided awareness, and propagated the provision of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act; the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), alongside other pieces of legislation on this issue. We seek to familiarize the populace with the position of the law as regards violence, while encouraging adequate reporting of the same so that perpetrators of these acts can be prosecuted and justice gotten for the survivors of violence.
Every gender-based violence case is a potential murder case, and as such early reporting is vital and critical. The public is encouraged to report any, and all cases of violence; and better support the victims of abuse! Fida remains un-shakingly resolute in handling these cases for free (pro-bono), at zero cost to the complainant, as we abhor all forms of violence in whatever form it manifests itself, and believe that gender-based violence can, and must be eradicated, with adequate prosecution of perpetrators, and stiffer sentences issued.
Ending gender-based violence is a task for all, while reporting perpetrators of violence is the first step towards ensuring that survivors are rescued before they can be maimed or killed. FIDA Nigeria is committed to the cause!
Every state in Nigeria needs to domesticate the VAPP Act which prohibits violent practices and abuses, and is the first legislation that recognizes that men can also be victims of sexual violence as GBV is not gender specific. GBV is preventable and we must shun the culture of “settling” these acts of violence, out of court, as they are criminal acts with prescribed punishments attached to them.
All hands must be on deck to actively condemn and seek to end this scourge
Enough is enough!
endGBVnow
stoptheviolence
fidanigeria
SignedAmina Suzanah Agbaje,
Country Vice President/CVP
by FIDAAffirmative Action: FIDA Nigeria Commends the Courage, Sagacity, And Legal Willpower of The Judiciary
The Landmark judgement delivered by the Federal High court on Wednesday, 6th of April 2022 upholding and implementing the provisions of the National Gender Policy of 2006 regarding the 35% Affirmative Action in appointive positions and upholding the equality of the sexes in all appointive positions, is one that has carved a niche in the history of our nation’s jurisprudential antecedents.
FIDA Nigeria commends the courage, sagacity, and legal willpower of the judiciary in taking a pivotal step such as this, and further salutes the courage, resilience and leadership of the judiciary as this is indeed positive progress towards a more gender equal world.
We applaud and acknowledge with gratitude the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF) for igniting this process via litigation, and the effort, courage, perseverance and resilience of the other Co-Plaintiffs in this suit, particularly the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs; Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA); Women in Politics Forum (WIPF); Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa); Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC); Vision Spring Initiatives (VSI); YIAGA, Africa; 100 Women Lobby Group; and a host of other brave women groups who shared the same vision for gender equality.
FIDA Nigeria as a co-plaintiff in this case, has been in the vanguard for the struggle in attaining gender equality and parity in all spheres, particularly in the socio-political space, as a lot of factors not limited to lack of political representation, lack of access to education, societal mindsets, customs, traditions, myths, and many others, restrict the woman’s ability to maximize her potential.
This erudite judgement coming on the heels of the International Women’s Month could not have been delivered at a better or more apt time, when women all around the world in solidarity with the theme of this year’s IWD #Breakthebias, envision a gender equal world, a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive for all. This year’s UN IWD’s theme posits a conscious effort to remove, stop, discontinue and erase all forms of prejudice against a group of people in a way considered to be unfair or discriminatory in nature.
As always, FIDA Nigeria shall not rest on its oars, nor relent in breaking the bias for a more equalitarian Nigerian society as encapsulated in its objectives. We shall continue to push for the reconsideration and re-presentation of the Bills jettisoned by the 9th Assembly, which Bills were aimed at promoting gender equality in the socio-political space. The rejection of those gender sensitive Bills undermined the relevance, input, and valuable contributions of Nigerian women to nation building.
FIDA therefore calls for the equitable and fair treatment of women in the socio-political arena devoid of any form of discrimination, prejudice, disadvantage, partisanship, unfairness, injustice, intolerance, sexism, pre-judgement, or bias rooted in gender.
FIDA Nigeria remains resolute in carrying out its objectives, noteworthy of which is “To advocate for legislation that will promote the advancement and protection of women and children”.
Together in unison of voice and shared vision, gender parity in Nigeria can be achieved and actualized.
Long live the Nigerian Woman!
#Breakthebias
#Genderparity
#FIDANigeria
Signed
Amina Suzanah Agbaje, Esq.
Country Vice President/CVP
by FIDACourt Orders FG to Comply With 35% Affirmative Action for Women
On Thursday 6th 2022, Judgement was delivered in favour of Nigerian Women, granting them 35 per cent affirmative action on appointments
The matter before Hon. Justice D.U. Okorowo at Court 7 of the Federal High Court, Abuja had been on since 2020.
The judgement is considered of utmost National importance to Nigerian women since it is geared towards inclusive governance to reflect true democracy in Nigeria.
The court granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs, which included FIDA Nigeria alongside other CSOs who formed part of the litigation team
fidanigeria
nigerianwomenmatter
by FIDAFIDA Bayelsa Held One-day Workshop on the ACJA and other Anti- Corruption legislative frameworks in Nigeria
FIDA Nigeria, Bayelsa State branch with support from Macarthur Foundation on 6th of April 2022, held a one-day workshop on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and other Anti-Corruption legislative frameworks in Nigeria.
Participants were drawn up from the different Justice sectors, comprising of Fidans from the Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Police Force and the National Agency for The Prohibition Of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP)
Also, Participants were engaged in a pre-evaluation exercise to ascertain their level of preparedness for the training.
The outcome of the workshop/training with regards to the application of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Bayelsa State, 2019, is to improve the criminal justice system and to reduce corruption, in the criminal justice system in Bayelsa State.
The workshop/training was indeed impactful, there was an overhaul of the Justice system and the need for the effective application of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law and other relevant Anti- Corruption Legislation in Nigeria by the various Justice institutions in curbing corruption in the Justice system in Bayelsa State.
by FIDAFIDA Anambra Conducts a 3-day Workshop on the ACJA and other Anti- Corruption legislative Frameworks in Nigeria
On the 6th of April 2022, FIDA Nigeria, Anambra branch with support from Mac-Arthur Foundation organized a one-day Continuous Legal Education (CLE) Training on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act/Law and other Anti-Corruption Legislative Frameworks in Nigeria held at FIDA Anambra Family Law Center. In attendance were Magistrates, staff of the Ministry of Justice Awka, Private legal practitioners, Staff of Correctional Service and FIDANS.
The training focused on improving the legal capacity of Female Lawyers in the Criminal Justice System/Anti Corruption.
Honorable Justice Pete Obiora Admin Judge of Idemili Judicial Division of the High Court of Anambra State facilitated the training. He dealt with the issue of corruption in the judiciary, categories, causes, and possible solutions. He emphasized the need to avoid delay in the administration of Justice.
Attendees were given Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.
