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
womensrightsarehumanrights
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria’s 2024 Leadership Training: Empowering Leaders Across Regions for a Brighter Future
FIDA Nigeria successfully concluded its 2024 leadership training on February 23rd and 24th, concurrently held across the North, South, East, and West regions. This decentralized approach was designed to ensure easy accessibility to locations nationwide.
The two-day intensive training, tailored for both current leaders and aspiring ones, provided essential knowledge to fortify FIDA Nigeria’s position for the future.
The event was brimming with growth opportunities and empowerment sessions! Participants engaged in a wide array of topics including Leadership, Team Building, Mediation and Counseling, Organizational Effectiveness, as well as individual and branch SWOT analysis, Advocacy Skills, and more.
Interactive exercises fostered hands-on learning experiences, empowering attendees to tackle challenges with confidence. Through comprehensive post-assessment evaluations, participants departed with a profound grasp of the core concepts.
At FIDA Nigeria, we are steadfast in our commitment to cultivating robust, effective leadership for sustained institutional growth.
Together, we are forging ahead towards building a more equitable society for all!
Northern Zone Highlights
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Urges Action on International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2024
Theme: Her Voice. Her Future.
Investing in FGM Survivor-Led Movements to End Female Genital Mutilation
Every Survivor’s voice is a loud and powerful cry, calling out for ACTION; collective action to end the vicious cycle of the harmful practice of Female Genital Mutilation ( FGM) in Nigeria.
FGM is an unhealthy wicked traditional practice targeted at girls with no health benefits to the woman. Rather she is exposed to a host of medical complications which includes physical pains, emotional and psychological trauma, sometimes resulting in grave consequences such as death.
It is a serious violation of a woman’s human right, however because it is deeply rooted in cultural and traditional beliefs it has remained difficult to change in Nigeria
The haunting echoes of pain and suffering caused by Female Genital Mutilation demand our collective attention and action.
FIDA Nigeria believes in the strength and resilience of survivors in reclaiming their lives. The scars left by FGM indeed run deep, affecting the physical and emotional well-being of survivors. Persons who ordinarily would have had a full and fruitful life riding to the Pinnacle of their chosen fields.
As the world observes the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation on the 6th of February 2024, FIDA Nigeria stands in solidarity with such survivors and amplifies the theme for this year: Her Voice. Her Future.
“The Sustainable Development Goals contain a specific target calling for an end to FGM. When this practice is fully abandoned, positive effects will reverberate across societies as girls and women reclaim their health, human rights, and vast potential.” — UN Secretary-General
FIDA Nigeria recognizes survivors are not just victims but resilient individuals whose voices need to be heard. Their stories are a good testament to the urgency of our collective responsibility to eradicate this harmful practice.
This year’s theme, “Her Voice. Her Future.”, emphasizes the importance of empowering survivors to become leaders in the fight against FGM.
FIDA Nigeria is committed to investing in survivor-led movements, providing them with the support and resources they need to drive change in their communities.
Survivors are not statistics; they are living testaments to the strength of the human spirit. Their voices matter, and it is time for us to listen and act.
We believe in the positive impact of continued sensitization and advocacy especially at the grassroots through collective efforts to shout ‘No To FGM’ to save women.
Everyone has a part to play speaking out against FGM’ as practiced in your communities and educating the youth especially. Women affected should report to the closest health facilities around you to be properly checked to avoid infections and other dire consequences.
Support women to succeed
Join FIDA Nigeria on 6 February 2024 as we amplify
HerVoiceMatters in leading the #EndFGM movement. Together, let us create a future where every girl and woman is free from the shackles of Female Genital Mutilation.
FOR: FIDA NIGERIA
Signed
Amina Suzanah Agbaje, (Mrs.)
Country Vice President/National President
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Hosts National Workshop to Advance Women and Children’s Rights in Criminal Justice System
FIDA Nigeria held a one-day National Methodology Workshop On the 2nd day of February, 2024, towards firming the tools to be utilized on a Formative research aimed at exploring promising practices in advancing the rights of women and children through the Administration of Criminal Justice Act/Laws in selected states which is supported by MacArthur Foundation.
The research will be used to ascertain progress on FIDA Nigeria and the work of all Criminal Justice stakeholders in providing a gender protective environment through the legal frameworks while also conducting a comparative analysis between the ACJA & VAPP Act/laws in protecting rights of Women.
The tool for the research was developed and agreed by experts in attendance.
FIDA Nigeria held a one-day National Methodology Workshop On the 2nd day of February, 2024, towards firming the tools to be utilized on a Formative research aimed at exploring promising practices in advancing the rights of women and children through the Administration of Criminal Justice Act/Laws in selected states which is supported by MacArthur Foundation.
The research will be used to ascertain progress on FIDA Nigeria and the work of all Criminal Justice stakeholders in providing a gender protective environment through the legal frameworks while also conducting a comparative analysis between the ACJA & VAPP Act/laws in protecting rights of Women.
The tool for the research was developed and agreed by experts in attendance.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Staff Retreat Day 2: Unveiling Exit Strategies, Operational Excellence, and Unforgettable Moments of Fun
Day 2 of the FIDA Nigeria Staff Retreat was nothing short of a thrilling adventure! Dr. Otive Igbuzor set the stage on fire with an eye-opening presentation on Exit Strategic Planning, sparking lively discussions and collaborative group activities. Then, Dr. Benson Olugbuo took the spotlight, weaving his magic on Operational Effectiveness.
The day unfolded with vibrant Departmental Presentations, validating workplans that got everyone buzzing with excitement. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, it was time for Frank Talk by our incredible Staff & National Executive.
The grand finale was an epic dinner party, a spectacular blend of games and karaoke, turning the evening into a series of unforgettable moments.
FIDANigeria #RetreatAdventures #UnforgettableMoments
by FIDAElevating Impact: FIDA Nigeria Launches into 2024 with a Power-Packed Retreat, Focusing on Organizational Excellence and Sustainable Growth
Welcoming the New Year with a bang!
FIDA Nigeria kicked off 2024 with a dynamic two-day Retreat uniting our incredible team and National Executive to set the tone for an exciting year ahead with the theme: Building an Effective Organization towards Achieving Sustainable Milestones
Day one started with a burst of energy as we embraced fitness with an invigorating aerobics session for both our staff and executive. But that was just the beginning! We delved into the heart of our mission with a comprehensive review of FIDA Nigeria’s programs, institutional interventions, and other departmental/unit operations in 2023.
Looking forward, we were thrilled to share insights on “Improving Local Fundraising Avenues in 2024” presented by Ezinwa E. Obiajunwa, Admin/Assistant Program Manager, and Philip Okonkwo, Finance Manager.
Fikih Obaro, our Program Manager, shed light on the 2023 organizational capacity assessment tool (OCAT) to ensure that we’re at the top of our game.
There was also an engaging session on Resource Mobilization Strategies through Grant Making & Sourcing in 2024, featuring the expertise of Rita Lasoju, Senior Program Officer, and Ifeanyi Eze, Program Officer.
Closing the day on a high note, we fostered team bonding through fun games, creating lasting memories and reinforcing our commitment to excellence. Join us on this incredible journey!
Ready to make a difference with FIDA Nigeria? Take action now – stay tuned for exciting updates and opportunities!
#FIDANigeria #NewYearRetreat #TeamBuilding #MakeADifference
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria ApplaudsNigerian Bar Association’s HistoricAll-Female Committee for 64th AnnualGeneral Conference Planning
It was with immense delight that FIDA Nigeria received the news of the constitution of an all-female Planning Committee for the 64th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN.
This is the first time in the history of the Nigerian Bar Association that an all-female team is put in place to spearhead the planning and execution of a General Conference of this magnitude. All thanks to the progressive and forward-thinking President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). There is no gainsaying that this development will augur well for the entire Bar as the President’s penchant for putting round pegs into round holes in clear recognition of the inherent capacity of our female members is one that has certainly not gone unnoticed. The Nigerian Bar Association as a professional Body with members having various skillsets and capabilities needs to be an association founded on inclusivity and diversity.
We at FIDA Nigeria, an association of professional women lawyers called to the practice of law with the core mandate of protecting, promoting and preserving the rights of women and children through the instrumentality of law via the provision of pro-bono legal services, heartily applaud and commend this giant stride of the NBA President, Mr. Y.C Maikyau SAN, as it resonates deeply with FIDA’s vision and sets an impressive precedent signaling progressive advancement for gender representation within the Nigerian Bar Association and the legal profession in its entirety.
We join other well-meaning members of the profession to heartily congratulate these women charged with executing the planning of the 64th Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar Association and urge them to put in their best in ensuring that the 2024 General Conference of the Bar is a stellar one in terms of a seamless conference delivery.
FIDA Nigeria shall continue to collaborate with the Nigerian Bar Association and other like-minded associations in ensuring that our mandate which is the promotion of the rights of women; including gender equity, participation and inclusion in all processes of governance is achieved.
Long live the Nigerian Bar Association,
Long live the International Federation of Women Lawyers- FIDA Nigeria,
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
FOR: FIDA NIGERIA
Signed
Amina Suzanah Agbaje, (Mrs.)
Country Vice President/National President
#inclusivity #diversity #genderparity #genderrepresentation #FIDANigeria
by FIDA16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE “UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls,”
The International Federation of Women Lawyers – FIDA Nigeria, lends its voice to the global call
to create a world free from violence by joining the international community to observe the 16
Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence which is an annual campaign that runs from the
25th of November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women), until the
10th of December (Human Rights Day).
The 16 Days of Activism campaign serves as a powerful rallying cry to individuals and
organizations worldwide to address, prevent, and eradicate one of the world’s most persistent
violations of human rights, which is violence against women and girls. This campaign gained
momentum in 2008 when the United Nations Secretary-General launched the UNITE by 2030
campaign, running parallel to the 16 Days of Activism.
The Campaign theme for 2023, “UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls,”
is a profound call for action to end violence against women and girls which has been an endemic
and continuous scourge. This call underscores the critical need for state actors to raise awareness
about gender-based violence, galvanize advocacy, and share knowledge and innovations to end
violence against women and girls while also challenging discriminatory attitudes and policies.
This year’s UNITE campaign theme aligns with the 2024 theme of the Commission on the Status
of Women (CSW68) “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment
of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with
a gender perspective”.
As champions for the protection of women’s rights, FIDA Nigeria has from time immemorial
leveraged its legal expertise and global advocacy fora to advocate for these rights through the
prevention and mitigation of incidences of violence against women and girls. This is achieved
using widespread advocacy and legal framework to push for reforms that strengthen protection
against gender-based violence. Sadly, despite the plethora of laws in existence to combat
violence against women and girls, weak enforcement and discriminatory social norms remain
significant hindrances to their effectiveness.
FIDA’s impact extends to grassroots communities through a significant increase in the number of State Branches that carry out legal clinics, sensitization and outreach programs to foster awareness, educate on rights and dismantle stigmas associated with gender-based violence. Survivors of gender-based violence are assured of getting justice through free legal assistance and the necessary empowerment to reconstruct their lives.
FIDA Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to prevent violence against women and girls
and calls on Government, the Private sector, Civil society organizations, the Media and indeed all
stakeholders to amplify their commitments and investments for improved laws and violence
prevention. Gender-based violence is a global problem that requires concerted global action! We
need to all join hands to build a safe and more inclusive world for women and girls.
Let us therefore UNITE and invest in a future for women and girls that is completely free from
the grim scourge of gender-based violence!
Signed
Amina Suzanah Agbaje, (Mrs.)
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
endGBV #Stoptheviolencenow #16daysofactivism. #Fidanigeria
by FIDAEmpowering Minds and Bodies: FIDA Nigeria’s 2023 AGC Strikes a Balance Between Legal Discourse and Physical Well-being!
As it is customary for every FIDA conference, in addition to intellectually invigorating discourse lined up, attention is paid to the mental and physical well-being of delegates and the 2023 Annual General Conference of FIDA Nigeria was no exception. On Friday, 24th of November 2023, an exhilarating session of Aerobics set the tone for physical exercises that got hearts pumping.
Delegates grooved to the aerobic beats and unleashed waves of positive vibes to keep mind, body and spirit in tip-top shape!
The Annual General Conference wasn’t just about legal conversations; it was about breaking barriers, embracing wellness, and fostering a community of empowered individuals. It redefined the word “Conference” as a fusion of fitness, fun and stimulating dialogue that left delegates buzzing with energy!
Missed the action? Don’t worry; we have highlights of the event ready for you! Stay tuned for a dose of the awesomeness of the FIDA Nigeria 2023 AGC!
Kindly access the provided hyperlink to view additional photographs
https://photos.app.goo.gl/1K8egX8pFzuXtQMW6
FIDANigeria #AGC2023 #Aerobics
Allencompassingfitness #FitandProper #FitAndFierce
by FIDAEdo State Radiates Elegance as FIDA Nigeria Launches 2023 Annual General Conference with Grand Welcome Cocktail
FIDA Nigeria 2023 Annual General Conference kicked off with a befitting welcome cocktail on Wednesday, 22nd November 2023 in the ancient city of Benin, Edo State.
Edo State Branch of FIDA Nigeria rolled out the red carpet for an epic welcome cocktail which was graced by the Country Vice President/National President FIDA Nigeria, Amina Suzanah Agbaje, and members of the National Executive Committee. In attendance also were other notable personalities including the past Regional Vice President (North & West Africa) Chief Mrs. Victoria Olufunmilayo Awomolo SAN, Past National officers, the Chairman of NBA Benin Branch, and a host of other distinguished persons and delegates to the Conference who added glitz and glam to the welcome cocktail. It was indeed an evening of relaxation, entertainment, warm camaraderie, and connecting with fellow delegates while enjoying the music from the performance of the live band. It was a tranquil and beautiful event which set the tone for the annual general conference.
FIDANAGC #NetworkingMagic #FIDAFamily
Kindly access the provided hyperlink to view additional photographs
https://photos.app.goo.gl/7d7b6KQdFyS6WaFo9
