
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ZERO TOLERANCE FOR FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION
Theme: “No Time for Global Inaction, Unite, Fund, and Act to End Female Genital Mutilation.”
As the world marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) with the theme: “No Time for Global Inaction, Unite, Fund, and Act to End Female Genital Mutilation, ” FIDA Nigeria joins the rest of the human rights communities to call for Prompt Collective, and Cohesive Action by all, to eliminate FGM
FGM or otherwise called female circumcision is principally practiced in the South South, South East and South Western parts of Nigeria; this cruel and dehumanizing practice is hinged on erroneous cultural and traditional religious myths and practices
The resultant effects cause grave health challenges with long term physical, social and phycological consequences on the woman and girl child; the thought of such practice which even causes some to take preemptive steps by seeking asylum in foreign lands as a form of escape
We declare that the practice of FGM:
violates human rights, especially the Infringement of laws against nondiscrimination and freedom from cruel and degrading treatment.
violates particularly the right of women and the girl child to sexual and reproductive health
is a form of torture, sexual assault and cruel treatment therefore violence against girls and women
denies one of the right to life in cases where the victim loses her life in the process.
Therefore, we must all unite to:
Educate and sensitize the general public on the evils and dangers of FGM and its negative effects on our girls and women while pushing forward good values of protecting women from harmful practices and treating them with dignity and respect.
Change cultural norms and practices which are repugnant to equity, good conscience and social justice, adoption of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015 in all states, which expressly prohibits female circumcision or genital mutilation.
Empower women socially and economically
We call on faith-based institutions and traditional leaders to also speak out against FGM and quell the myths surrounding it.
FIDA Nigeria appeals to all levels of Government (Federal, State, and Local) to show political will and commitment to this cause as we demand a prompt, holistic and integrated national action plan involving all key stakeholders, to end FGM and such practices in our communities and country.
Let us all unite for prompt action to end FGM
#Act2EndFGM
#EndFGM
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National publicity secretary
FIDA Nigeria

FIDA Nigeria Applauds The Governor Of Nasarawa State As He Swears-In First Female Acting Chief Judge Of The State
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, applauds the Nasarawa State Governor, His Excellency Abdullahi Sule on his appointment of the first female acting Chief Judge of the state.
FIDA Nigeria commends the Governor for compliance with the constitutional requirement and for acceding to the recommendation of the JSC and calls on other states to emulate this.
FIDA Nigeria congratulates and celebrates Hon. Justice Aisha Bashir-Aliyu for her appointment as the first female Acting Chief Judge (CJ) of the state; whilst also encouraging her to showcase her sterling qualities for the greater benefit of the society.
We similarly seize this opportunity to also congratulate all women recently elevated to the Bench in the different states.
FIDA Nigeria desires greater acceleration to the process of gender parity. Therefore, we see these appointments as great steps in the right direction being that we all have a role to play in creating this desired balance in the different structures and institutions in society.
Parity is paramount so society can function at its optimum, and be beneficial to all across the board.
FIDA in promoting and advocating for the protection and preservation of the rights of women and children, urgently calls on other states and indeed the Federal Government to emulate this noble act and ensure that women are more actively involved in governance in Nigeria.
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria

FIDA Trains Paralegals In Bauchi
FIDA Nigeria, Bauchi State branch, held a two-day intensive training for 10 paralegals selected from four local government areas of the state, the training was aimed at building the capacity of community paralegals and creating awareness of SGBV as it affects the community.

FIDA Abuja Advocacy Road Walk Against GBV
In continuation of the 16days activism, FIDA Nigeria, Abuja branch in collaboration with the NBA Abuja Branch- the Unity Bar on Saturday 5th December, 2020 engaged in an Advocacy Road Walk which started from Federal Ministry of Justice through Transcorp Hilton and terminated at the Farmers Market in Maitama.
At the market, the traders and shoppers were given fliers with the FIDA Abuja office address & hotline. They were also addressed on the dangers and ills of violence against Women and girls. The advocacy message was first spoken in English and Pidgin and then the 3 main Nigerian languages of Igbo, Hausa & Yoruba.

FIDA Conducts Capacity Building Session for Community Paralegals in Ido/Osi Local Government, Ekiti
FIDA Nigeria, Ekiti State branch, trains community paralegals in Ido/Osi local government. The training was aimed at building the capacity of community paralegals and creating awareness of SGBV as it affects the community.

FIDA Kaduna Commemorate 16 Days of Activism
On the 27 of November 2020, in commemoration of 16 Days Activism, FIDA Kaduna in collaboration with NHRC, JMA and other NGOs visited the CJ of Kaduna State at High Court Complex, Bida Road Kaduna and advocated for creation of Family Courts and speedy dispensation of SGBV cases.

FIDA Oyo Flags off 16 Days of Activism 2020
FIDA Oyo commenced her 16 days activism against gender-based violence by paying an advocacy visit to the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the SCID Iyaganku Ibadan, where the FIDA Nigeria statement was issued, had a discussion on the increased rate of the GBV cases in the state and the way forward.

FIDA Akwa Ibom commemorate 16days of Activism 2020
FIDA Akwa Ibom flagged off the 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence on the 26of November 2020, at the prestigious Ibom Hall, Uyo and His Majesty’s Hall Eket, over 1000 copies of the VAPP Law were distributed free of charge.

FIDA Nasarawa Commemorate 16days of Activism 2020
In commemoration of the 16days of activism 2020, FIDA Nasarawa in collaboration with the SDGs carried out sensitization in four schools educating the students on their rights and the need to speak out when they are assaulted, raped or abused.

FIDA Lagos Flags off 16 Days of Activism 2020
FIDA Lagos in collaboration with the Nigeria Human Rights Commission, Lagos Chapter, yesterday 25 November 2020, flagged off this year’s 16 days activism against Gender Based Violence, themed: Stop the Violence!!! Fund, Response, Prevent and Collect. Orange the world!!!!
#16DaysOfActivism
#EndGBV
#orangetheworld