by FIDAFIDA Akwa Ibom and Partners Support Female Inmates for Justice and Rehabilitation
In a heartfelt display of compassion and advocacy, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Akwa Ibom, Uyo Branch, spearheaded by Chairperson Iquo Abia Esq, joined hands with the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) and the Youth Alive Foundation to extend support to female inmates of the Medium Custodial Centre in Uyo.
On Thursday, April 4th, 2024, the team was warmly welcomed by Julius Ezugwu, the Comptroller of Nigeria Correctional Service, Akwa Ibom State Command, represented by Assistant Comptroller of Corrections, Festus Akpan. During the visit, essential items such as toiletries and baby supplies were generously donated to the inmates.
FIDA expressed deep concern over the overcrowding of the facility, originally designed for 600 inmates but currently housing 1,715 individuals. To address this pressing issue, FIDA outlined strategies aimed at alleviating congestion, including advocating for the establishment of a Mother-Child unit to safeguard infants from adverse circumstances and promote bonding between mothers and their children.
The event showcased a range of supportive services, including free legal assistance, medical consultations, and a motivational session led by a rehabilitated ex-convict who successfully reintegrated into society.
This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of these organizations to uphold justice, advocate for the vulnerable, and foster positive change within the criminal justice system.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Celebrates Asiwaju Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo SAN: A Legal Luminary and Advocate for Equality!
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria congratulates Asiwaju Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo, SAN, A firm supporter of FIDA Nigeria and all that we stand for, Founder and Principal Partner of the prestigious law firm A.S. Awomolo and Associates.
A beacon of excellence in both the legal profession. As a revered senior advocate and astute barman, he embodies true qualities of integrity, empathy, and inclusivity that define a great lawyer.
His unwavering support for FIDA Nigeria and its mission, coupled with his profound belief in the empowerment of female lawyers, exemplifies his commitment to justice and equality.
As the Founder and Principal Partner of the esteemed law firm A.S. Awomolo and Associates, Asiwaju Awomolo has demonstrated unparalleled dedication to his craft, earning him the admiration and respect of colleagues and clients alike. His role as the supportive husband to Chief Mrs. Victoria Olufumilayo, SAN, Chairperson of FIDA Nigeria at 60 Committee, underscores his commitment to advancing the cause of women in the legal profession.
With a remarkable history of leadership and service, Asiwaju Awomolo’s appointment as the 52nd Chairman of the Body of Benchers heralds a new era of progress and innovation.
FIDA Nigeria is confident that under his stewardship, the legal profession will experience unprecedented growth and development. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for a successful tenure filled with achievements that will leave a lasting impact on the legal landscape of Nigeria.
Signed
Amina Suzanah Agbaje
Country Vice/National President FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria and MacArthur Foundation Join Forces: Statewide Workshop Enhances Capacity on Plea Bargain for Corruption Cases
Throughout the past week, FIDA Nigeria, in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation, conducted a one-day Capacity Building workshop on Plea Bargain as a means to expedite the resolution of corruption cases. This workshop spanned across FIDA’s implementing states, including Bayelsa, Ekiti, Kano, Anambra, and Rivers.
The initiative was prompted by the success of the National Capacity Building workshop held in Abuja in September 2023, where participants, predominantly comprising criminal justice actors, highlighted the need for state-level training.
The primary objective of this workshop was to bolster participants’ capacity and furnish them with a comprehensive understanding of plea bargain, covering its concept, principles, mechanisms, and challenges.
Follow our updates on this significant endeavor and other impactful initiatives from FIDA Nigeria.
Rivers
Kano
Bayelsa
Anambra
Ekiti
CapacityBuilding #PleaBargain #FIDANigeria
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Wraps Up WVL Project Supported by ActionAid Nigeria, Paving the Way for Lasting Change in VAWG Response
FIDA Nigeria recently concluded its Women’s Voice and Leadership (WVL) project, made possible by the generous support of ActionAid Nigeria, culminating in a momentous close-out meeting on March 15, 2024.
Gathered alongside our dedicated paralegal representatives from AMAC, Bwari, and Kuje Area Councils, we celebrated the successful culmination of our efforts to fortify mechanisms addressing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) within our communities.
But this milestone marks not the end but a new beginning! Driven by the commitment of our passionate paralegals, we’ve crafted a forward-thinking Sustainability Plan coupled with a one-year No-cost Action Plan. This strategic move ensures that our impact transcends the project’s conclusion, fostering enduring transformation within our communities.
Stay tuned as we continue to champion women’s rights and spearhead initiatives that reshape our communities for the better.
FIDANigeria #ActionAidNigeria #Sustainability #CommunityImpact #GlobalAffairsCanada #NigeriaWomenMatter
by FIDACall for Tender External Auditor FIDA Nigeria
- General Information:
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. - Information of tendering
2.1 Purpose
FIDA Nigeria plans to finalise a contract with a highly specialised external service provider to provide auditing services. According to Section 29 of the FIDA constitution, FIDA Nigeria shall be subject to the requirements of the country’s law where it has its statutory seat regarding preparation, filing, auditing and publication of accounts. An auditor’s assessment of the correctness of the organization’s accounts will be an invaluable source of support for FIDA members and supervisory bodies, helping them fulfil their monitoring function. The present tender aims to select a qualified organisation specialized in auditing consulting services to perform an economic and financial audit for the FIDA Nigeria accounts and Financial Statements for the financial years from 2024 to 2026. This call for tender includes a description of the required services and instructions to be followed to participate in the tendering process. FIDA Nigeria procurement policy follows the principles of transparency, non-discrimination and competition. According to FIDA policies and procedures, FIDA Nigeria shall treat procurement candidates and tenderers equally and without discrimination.
2.2. The subject of the contract The awarded contractor will be required to perform auditing services to the accounts of the FIDA Nigeria financial years from 2024 to 2026 (three years), stating that the assignment will continue until the approval by the National Executives Committee of the Financial Statements as of 30/09/2026. The purpose of the audit will be to examine FIDA Nigeria accounts and the annual Financial Statements, including the balance sheet of the assets and liabilities and profit and loss account and accompanying disclosures and notes, to gain assurance on the effective functioning of the management and control systems, and to give an evaluation of the appropriateness of accounting policies used and of the reasonableness of accounting estimates, made by the management; the Auditors is requested to provide its professional opinion on these Financial Statements, whether they are prepared, in all material respects, by the applicable financial reporting framework, that is a general-purpose one. The examination will be aimed to check and make certain that the FIDA Nigeria accounts and annual statements are correct and complete. The audit activity will investigate the accounting records, the internal control policies and accounts to ensure they align with the accounting standards. The result of this examination will be an “Audited Financial Statements” expressed by the independent Auditor, representing the Auditor’s opinion on the fairness and appropriateness of the annual Statements of accounts and related disclosures. Regarding the Financial Statements, FIDA Nigeria adopts an accrual-based accounting system by IFRS, integrated to be consistent with the legal structure, activities and scopes of FIDA Nigeria.
2.3. Duration and maximum volume of the Contract The contract duration will be three financial years: 2024, 2025 and 2026. The contract might be renewed, a previously written decision, for one time under specific conditions to be agreed by the parties, in line with those provided in this tender.
The maximum amount of this contract is estimated at N1,500,000 (One million five hundred thousand Naira only) over the three years, divided as follow:
1. The year 2024 = Naira 500,000
2. The year 2025 = Naira 500,000
3. The year 2026 = Naira 500,000 (This includes the first portion of 2027 until the 2026
Financial Statements approval).
It will comprise the remuneration and all expenses to be paid to the Auditor in return for services rendered by the contract. No price revisions to the agreement shall be allowed, except for considerable increases in audit activities required to the Auditor to be agreed between the parties. FIDA Nigeria benefits VAT exemption from the FIRS article. Price is quoted in Naira and will be WHT deductible.
2.4. Contractual conditions The tenderer should bear in mind the provisions of the draft contract, which specify the rights and obligations of the contractor, particularly those on payments, the performance of the agreement, confidentiality, and checks and audits. It is asked that the Audited Account should be delivered to the FIDA Country Vice president no later than 31st October of each year.
2.5. Standards The Auditor undertakes to comply with generally and internationally accepted standards for auditing – International Standard Auditing (ISA) and in particular with ISA Nigeria.
2.6. Compliance with applicable law The tender, if awarded at the time of submitting the offer and beyond over the assignment years, must comply with applicable environmental, social and labour law obligations established by Union law, Nigerian legislation, collective agreements or the international environmental, social security and labour conventions. The exact compliance must be verified about fiscal matters.
2.7. Subcontracting
The Auditor shall not subcontract any portion of the activities or contract.
- Tender evaluation
Tenderers must prove their legal, regulatory, economic, financial, technical and professional capacity to carry out the work subject to this procedure.
The evaluation is based solely on the information provided in the submitted tender. It involves the following:
▪ Verification of non-exclusion of tenderers based on the exclusion criteria;
▪ Selection of tenderers based on selection criteria;
▪ Proof of compliance with the minimum requirements set out in these tender specifications;
▪ Evaluation of tenders based on the award criteria.
FIDA Nigeria may reject abnormally low tenders, particularly if it is established that the tenderer does not comply with applicable obligations in environmental, social security and labour law, and fiscal matters. The tenders will be assessed in the order indicated above. Only tenders meeting the requirements of one step will pass on to the next step.
3.1 Legal and regulatory capacity Tenderers must prove that they are allowed to pursue the professional activity necessary to carry out the work subject to this call for tenders and must provide the following information in its tender:
- A certificate of legal effectiveness issued by the Corporate affairs commission, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (chartered in its country and preferably in Nigeria as well) and a certificate of a VAT position.
- A legible copy of the notice of appointment of the persons authorised to represent the tenderer in dealings with third parties and legal proceedings, or a copy of the publication of such work if the legislation applicable to the legal person requires such publication. Any delegation of this authorisation to another representative not indicated in the official appointment must be evidenced.
3.2 Economic and financial capacity criteria and evidence
The following economic and financial evidence should be provided:
I. Statement of turnover in respect of the services to which the contract relates for the previous two financial years of at least Naira 5,000,000 (Five million) per year;
II. Copy of the financial statements (profit & loss account and balance sheet and notes) for the last two years;
III. Evidence of tax clearance certificates for last 2 years.
3.3 Technical and professional capacity criteria and evidence
a. Criteria relating to tenderers
Tenderers must comply with the following criteria:
- A complete description of the tenderer’s references in the Nigerian space. This should include examples of work covering at least three years’ work directly related to these services and products, indicating how the tenderer has carried out similar types of work in the past for public or private sector recipients.
- Evidence of affiliation to a body such as the ICAN, FRCN, the IEA (Institute of External Auditors) or equivalent. In the absence of such an affiliation, the tenderers should demonstrate how they will undertake to comply with international audit standards. The Nigerian tenderers must be registered to the financial reporting council of Nigeria
- The tenderer must ensure that its standards about all security matters including, but not limited to, physical security, data security, and virus protection, are in accordance at all times with the highest possible standards, best practices, and any relevant legislation or code of practice with which they are bound to comply.
- The tenderer must prove their capacity to draft reports in the English language. b. Criteria relating to the team delivering the services:
The team providing the services should include, as a minimum, the following two profiles:
Staff. N°1: Audit Senior
Be an auditor who should have: - At least five years of professional experience carrying out audit and control activities;
- should have excellent knowledge of Nigerian Laws and Regulation regarding the Not for profit field;
- should have an excellent knowledge of written and spoken English language.
- Status of Certified Auditor and Chartered Accountant; – the statutory capacity to commit the Company in writing (only in the case of companies).
Staff. N°2: Audit specialist
- At least three years of professional experience carrying out audit and control activities;
- should have excellent knowledge of Nigerian Laws and Regulation regarding the Not for profit field
- Should have an excellent knowledge of written and spoken English language,
- Status of Certified Auditor and Chartered Accountant.
The following technical and professional evidence should be provided to fulfil the above criteria: – Technical and professional capacity by delivering Curriculum Vitae of the two team members involved in providing services. CVs should include information on work experience, qualifications, and language ability.
- A list of services proving experience in auditing public administrations’ expenditures, especially not for profit organisations. The services directly relevant to the tender must have been provided within the last three years. The list should include at least five audits with at least one audit of each of the following types:
– Financial audit regarding Financial Statements drawn for general purposes;
– Nigeria Not for profit organisation audit.
The list should also include the amount, date and public or private recipients of
the services. - The tenderer should prove the linguistic capacity of the team.
- Award Evaluation
The tender will be awarded according to the best-value-for-money criteria and procedure. FIDA Nigeria may, at its discretion, extend the closing date and time of the tender. The selection procedure will be based on equal treatment, fairness, and transparency principles by an evaluation panel.
All applicants will receive acknowledgment of receipt of their tender and will be informed of the outcome of the selection process of their offer by e-mail only within two weeks following the evaluation procedure conclusion. Tenderers should provide a valid e-mail address and contact details in the tender. FIDA Nigeria is not obliged to provide reasons for its decision to shortlist, accept or reject any tender. FIDA reserves the right to conclude or not the tender process and select the successful tenderer. FIDA Nigeria will not be contractually bound to a bidder for this tender until FIDA Nigeria, and the successful winner, has entered into a written contract.
The following offers will be excluded from the tendering procedure:
− Those received after the deadline;
− Those missing information about the professional economic operator or lacking the
requested requirements;
− Those submitted by experienced economic operators whose position is inconsistent
with the law or the procedure;
− According to Nigerian law, those submitted by professional economic operators who
are subject to one of the causes of exclusion.
If the documents delivered by the tenderer are inconsistent with the statements made in presenting its offer, and the award must be invalidated.
- Accuracy of proposal
The tender must be clear, concise and complete. Tenderers are advised to check the accuracy of their submission before return, paying particular attention to clerical errors and omissions. Tenderers will not be permitted to amend proposals after the proposed return date except as part of any proposal clarification process initiated by FIDA Nigeria. FIDA Nigeria reserves the right to mark a tenderer down or exclude them from the procurement if their tenders contain any ambiguities, caveats or lack of clarity. Tenderers should submit only such information necessary to respond effectively to this call. Tenders will be evaluated based on information submitted by their tenders only before the deadline for submission of tenders. - Tender procedure scheduled
The tender is open from the 11/03/2024 to 25/03/2024. - Confidentiality and conflict of interest
The tenderers undertake that they will not at any time, either before, during or after the termination of the service contract, use, disclose, or communicate to any third parties confidential information relating to FIDA Nigeria. This restriction shall continue to apply after the contract’s termination without a limit in time. To ensure the independence of the terms of the agreement, the winning tenderer will sign a declaration certifying that it has no conflict of interest about the tasks to be undertaken and that it will inform FIDA Nigeria should this status change. - Terms and condition
This invitation to tender is in no way binding on FIDA Nigeria. Its contractual obligation commences only upon the signature of the contract with the successful tenderer awarded. FIDA Nigeria may cancel the award procedure up to the point of the signature without the candidates or tenderers being entitled to claim any compensation. This decision must be substantiated, and the candidates or tenderers notified. Similarly, FIDA Nigeria reserves the right to reject any proposals, advertise for new bids, abandon the need for services, or amend this Call for Tender at any time before executing the written contract. FIDA Nigeria reserves the right to waive any formalities in the call for the tender process. FIDA Nigeria shall not be liable for any compensation concerning tenderers whose tenders have not been accepted or ranked. Nor shall it be liable if it decides not to award the contract.
The Tenderer accepts all the terms and conditions in this call for Tender by submitting a tender. The Tenderer agrees that:
– FIDA Nigeria may copy the proposal to facilitate the evaluation of the proposal and
agrees that such copying will not violate the rights of any third party.
– It will not bring any claim or cause of action against FIDA Nigeria based on any
misunderstanding concerning the information provided or FIDA Nigeria’s failure,
neglect or otherwise, to give the bidder pertinent information as this Call for Tender.
The agreement for services provided will be completed by signing a contract between the parties. It will include the terms and conditions for the services offered, the terms of delivery, invoicing and banking payment modalities, and the termination of the contract.
- Privacy Statement
Once FIDA Nigeria has received and opened the tender, it becomes her property and shall be treated confidentially.
FIDA Nigeria will treat your data with respect. The tenderer can contact FIDA Nigeria anytime to cancel the consent to store and use its data by emailing hr@fida.org.ng
Unless indicated otherwise, the replies to the questions and any personal data requested are required to evaluate the tender by the specifications of the invitation to tender. They will be processed solely by FIDA Nigeria.
- Contact Person
Information and any question regarding the tender should be submitted to the Human Resource Manager at ez.obiajunwa@fida.org.ng
Questions shall be submitted in English only to clarify the procurement documents and procedure. FIDA Nigeria may respond to questions or provide information from tenderers but is under no obligation to provide such responses or information to all the other tenderers.
- Contracting Organisation
FIDA Nigeria
Block 2, flat 1, Ankpa close,
Ogun street
Area 2, Abuja.
by FIDAFIDA Warri Empowers Agbarho Market Women on International Women’s Day 2024
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, the Warri branch of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) took its message of empowerment to the heart of commerce in Agbarho Market.
The market sensitization campaign aimed to educate and uplift the many women who drive Agbarho’s economic activity.
FIDA Warri representatives, led by the Chairperson, Ogechi Jessica Megbele addressed the market women on a range of topics critical to their well-being and advancement.
Key Themes of the Sensitization
Women’s Rights as Human Rights: FIDA emphasized that the fundamental rights enshrined for all citizens apply equally to women. This encompasses rights to property ownership, freedom from discrimination, and participation in the political process.
Economic Empowerment: FIDA provided information on resources available to help women entrepreneurs. This includes access to skills training programs, microloans, or financial literacy workshops.
Protection from Violence: FIDA Warri, a champion for women’s safety, addressed topics like gender-based violence and harassment. They provided the FIDA Warri branch contact information and legal aid resources for women facing such challenges.
Breaking Language Barriers and Building Connections:
Similar to FIDA Warri’s past outreach efforts reported in March 2022, the sensitization program was delivered in multiple languages, ensuring all women who were present grasped the important messages.
The event fostered a sense of community and support among the market women. By bringing legal expertise and resources directly to their workplace, FIDA Warri empowered these women to advocate for themselves and claim their rightful place within the community.
This market sensitization campaign serves as a powerful example of FIDA Warri’s dedication to promoting gender equality and amplifying the voices of women in Delta State.
by FIDAFIDA Abuja Celebrates International Women’s Day 2024 with Empowerment Outreach in Ijayapi, Kubwa
March 8th, 2024, marked a significant moment as FIDA Abuja, led by its Chairperson, EXCO, and dedicated members, embarked on a meaningful journey to the community of Ijayapi, Kubwa, Abuja, in honor of International Women’s Day.
Our visit aimed to celebrate the global event’s essence, emphasizing women’s pivotal roles and contributions worldwide. Our Chairperson passionately articulated the importance of women’s rights to education, financial independence, and economic empowerment, aligning with the provisions of the VAPP Act 2015. Furthermore, we underscored the imperative of eradicating all forms of gender-based violence and empowering women to embrace their significance in society.
We were privileged to host Joyce Oduah, the former General Secretary of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), whose presence added inspiration as she encouraged women to realize their full potential while fostering supportive relationships with men.
The impact of our program was palpable as community members expressed their excitement, many of whom were introduced to FIDA for the first time. A notable moment came when one community member, acknowledging past misconduct, vowed to change his behavior regarding domestic violence.
The event was graced by esteemed community leaders, including Chief HRH. Danjuma Daudu, Prince Ali I. Danjuma, and Community Youth Leader Saleh Abubakar.
As a gesture of support, our Chairperson presented the community with 4 bags of rice, copies of the VAPP Act 2015, and FIDA flyers, symbolizing our commitment to empower and uplift women.
In a heartfelt expression of gratitude, Chief HRH. Danjuma Daudu acknowledged FIDA’s presence, emphasizing the importance of such outreach efforts, especially for communities unaware of FIDA and the significance of International Women’s Day.
Our outreach in Ijayapi, Kubwa, epitomizes FIDA Abuja’s dedication to advancing women’s rights and empowerment, reflecting our ongoing commitment to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
by FIDAFIDA Ondo Leads Inspiring Inclusion Campaign on International Women’s Day 2024
On March 8th, 2024, FIDA Ondo joined hands with its partners and collaborators to commemorate International Women’s Day 2024 under the theme “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress.”
Represented by Chairperson Catherine Ogunjebi, FIDA Ondo embraced the theme “Inspire Inclusion” at the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) event held at the Police Officers Mess in Akure. Ogunjebi emphasized the importance of women supporting each other to foster inclusion in leadership roles and empower future generations.
The event saw a remarkable turnout, graced by top officials of the Police Force in Ondo State, including the State Commissioner of Police, Women DPOs, their male counterparts, and members of POWA and NAWOJ.
Earlier in the day, Chairperson Catherine Ogunjebi featured on Adaba 88.9fm, discussing FIDA’s efforts, alongside other NGOs and CSOs, in ensuring women’s active participation in decision-making processes and governance levels.
Similarly, FIDA Ondo, represented by FIDAN Funmilayo Olagunju, engaged with the Society of Women Accountants (Akure Chapter) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria to celebrate IWD 2024 at ICAN House Alagbaka Akure. The event attracted aspiring students, female professionals from diverse fields, and government officials.
FIDA Ondo’s engagements emphasized the pivotal role of women in fostering an inclusive and safe environment. Participants were sensitized on harmful practices endured by women, with discussions highlighting legal positions against oppressive traditions, female genital mutilation, discrimination, women’s inheritance rights, and property ownership.
Vulnerable women and children affected by gender-based violence were encouraged to seek legal aid and intervention from FIDA Ondo, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to championing women’s rights and empowerment.
by FIDAEmpowering Young Female Lawyers: FIDA Rivers’ Dynamic Mentorship Workshop Shines on International Women’s Day 2024
Celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8th, 2024, was truly special with a one-day mentorship training organized by FIDA Nigeria Rivers State Branch, in collaboration with the Hygreb Mentorship Project and the Young Lawyers Forum of the Nigeria Bar Association, Port Harcourt Branch.
Honored by the presence of esteemed past chairpersons, judges, and the executive members of NBA Port Harcourt branch, the event was a beacon of support for young female lawyers with 0-7 years of experience.
Kicking off with an inspiring opening remark by the convener of the Hygreb Mentorship Project, Hon. Justice Elsie N. Thompson, we delved into insightful sessions led by distinguished speakers. From Hon. Inime Aguma’s discourse on social welfare to Hon. Justice Margaret Opara’s invaluable insights on professionalism at the Bar, every moment was enriching.
A captivating panel discussion on mentorship featured luminaries from various legal realms, each sharing their expertise passionately. Moderated by the adept Irene Iniobong Pepple, it was a deep dive into the nuances of legal practice, from litigation to corporate law, and the delicate art of balancing life and career.
The interactive Q&A session that followed was enlightening, fostering engaging conversations between mentors and participants. We wrapped up with a heartfelt vote of thanks from the Chairperson of FIDA Rivers IWD Committee, Ms. Felicia NWoke, expressing gratitude for the enriching experience.
A huge thank you to all who made this event possible and to our participants for their enthusiastic involvement. Here’s to empowering the next generation of female legal luminaries!
#WomenInLaw #MentorshipMatters #IWD2024
by FIDAFIDA NIGERIA COMMEMORATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2024
The International Women’s Day which is celebrated annually on the 8th of March has historically been a day set apart to celebrate women globally and their achievements. As the world marks this year’s International Women’s Day 2024 with the theme “Invest in women: Accelerate progress,” heightening the call for intentional investment in women and girls in all spheres covering health, their well-being and empowerment, FIDA Nigeria shines a spotlight on the sad reality of women’s continued marginalization and exclusion.
In spite of the campaign theme for the 2024 International Women’s Day being “Inspire Inclusion,” FIDA Nigeria is deeply disheartened by the non-inclusion and discrimination of women in critical spheres. This exclusion is not only a setback; it is a stain on the fabric of our collective conscience, hindering progress and perpetuating systemic injustice.
In Nigeria with the spate of violent extremism and acts of terrorism further escalating humanitarian crises in emergency context, women and children are highly vulnerable and exposed, suffering the brunt of the crises. This is because in every conflict setting, gender-based violence increases while insecurity is exacerbated and this sorry state of affairs compounds the existing inequalities that women already face on a daily basis.
It is premised on the above and in commemoration of this globally important day that FIDA Nigeria highlights the urgent need for collective action to drive gender parity and address the following areas as spotlighted by the United Nations where women are grossly neglected and largely overlooked
Investment in women as a human rights issue: Women’s rights are human rights, yet women are consistently denied access to essential resources, opportunities, and decision-making spaces. This systemic neglect robs women of their dignity and perpetuates a cycle of inequality and injustice.
Prioritize education for women: Females are hugely disenfranchised with respect to educational opportunities and access to same by barriers such as early or forced marriages, poverty, gender-based violence, cultural norms, amongst several other factors thereby contributing to the huge gender gap in education.
End poverty: Women, especially those from marginalized communities, bear the brunt of poverty’s harsh realities. The lack of economic empowerment and access to basic necessities relegates countless women to lives of desperation and destitution.
Implement gender-responsive financing and budgeting: Financial systems are rife with gender biases and discriminatory practices and policies, denying women fair access to capital and resources. Gender-responsive financing is imperative to rectify this injustice and ensure women’s full participation in economic activities.
Shift to a green economy and care society: Women bear disproportionate burdens from environmental degradation. Yet, their voices are often ignored in discussions on sustainable development and climate action. It is time to recognize and empower women as key agents of change in building a sustainable future.
Support change drivers: Women activists and leaders courageously champion gender equality and social justice, often at great personal risk. Yet, they face rampant discrimination, violence, and harassment. It is incumbent upon society to stand in solidarity with these fearless trail-blazing advocates and provide them with unwavering support and protection.
FIDA Nigeria makes a concerted call upon the Federal Government, institutions, stakeholders, policymakers, civil society organizations and all individuals of goodwill to heed this urgent call to action. A world that is equitable and inclusive is possible, where our unique differences are valued and celebrated. Together we can accelerate progress for society when we choose to invest in women, advance equality and inspire inclusion for all!
Let us commit ourselves to dismantle all barriers that exclude and oppress women, and pave the way for a more just, equitable, egalitarian and inclusive society for all.
Take action today! Inspire and Invest in Women!
FOR: FIDA NIGERIA
Amina Suzanah Agbaje, (Mrs.)
Country Vice President/National President
InvestInWomen #InternationalWomensDay2024
#FIDA_Nigeria #IWD #Acceleratingprogress
#InspireInclusion #GenderEquality