FIDA 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
Signed
Amina Suzanah Agbaje,
Country Vice President/CVP
Affirmative 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
Court 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
FIDA 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.
FIDA 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.
FIDA Conducts a 3-day Capacity Building Training on SGBV & CEFM Prevention and Response In Delta
FIDA Nigeria yesterday, commenced a 3-day capacity building workshop for CSOs on SGBV and CEFM Prevention and Response for 15 CSOs representatives across the South under the Palladium SCALE Project.
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FIDA Nigeria Leadership Training Northern Zone
FIDA Nigeria, Abuja Branch successfully hosted the Executive Committee of 19 Branches in the Northern region in a 2-day Intensive Leadership Training held on Friday 25th & Saturday 26th March 2022 at the Abuja Enterprise Agency, Jahi Abuja.
Branches in attendance include Abuja, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Benue, Gombe, Gwagwalada, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Nasarawa and Yobe.
The Intensive Leadership Training organized by FIDA Nigeria was aimed at building the capacity of Branch executive officers to familiarize them with FIDA Nigeria’s preferred leadership disposition to achieving her mandate, the 5-Year Strategic Plan, Policies including the necessary tools/information for effective engagement, and project implementation at branch level.
The training had in attendance prominent resource persons and members of FIDA in the persons of:
Country Vice President/National President, Mrs. Amina Abgbaje, Country Vice President Emeritus, Mrs. Rhoda Tyoden Prevail, FIDA International Director, Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor, members such as Hon. Justice Olivia Dazyam, Lady Ifueko Ize-Iyamu, Dr. Rosemary Chikwendu, National Assistant Publicity Secretary, Shaltha Nachamada, and Assistant Program Manager FIDA Nigeria, Mrs. Ezinwa Obiajunwa.
At the start of the workshop, delegates were engaged in a pre-training exercise to ascertain the mind and level of preparedness of participants during the training.
Teachings were taken on topics such as Leadership, Team Building, Mediation, Counselling and Advocacy Skills, Functions of each Office and their Synergy, Organizational Effectiveness, Branch Annual Work Plan/Report Writing, and the five mechanisms for achieving the 5-year FIDA strategic plan.
Group exercises and presentations were carried out at the end of each session to identify and discuss the strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats peculiar to branches and thereby proffering solutions to these challenges.
In bringing the intensive training to a close, participants responded to a post-assessment questionnaire to ascertain their level of assimilation of all that was taught at the workshop.
FIDA Warri Conducts a Sensitisation Campaign for Rural Women in Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State
As part of activities to mark the International Women’s Day, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Warri, Delta State, branch, carried out a sensitisation campaign for rural women in Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State.
The one-day sensitization campaign had women drawn from 12 wards in Sapele council area of the state. The programme was tailored to create awareness for rural women in the areas of their fundamental rights, skill empowerment programmes and health enlightenment geared towards breaking the bias faced by the womenfolk.
The Chairperson of FIDA, Warri branch, Ogechi Jessica Megbele, who led other executive members to the event, said the sensitization campaign became imperative to ensure women in rural communities were abreast with what was happening globally and the need to be self-reliant.
Speaking on behalf of the council chairman, Ayemidejo assured the group that they would partner with them in future programmes tailored to create more awareness for rural women and the girl-child.
Those present at the campaign included Megbele Ogechi Jessica (chairperson), Oghenero Faith Megbele (assistant secretary), Beauty Ekpuda (PRO), Alero Omebeyinje Sifo (welfare secretary), Vanessa Oyemi Kubeyinje-Ngwu (treasurer), Ataine Aghogho, Zino Aikpokpo-Martins, Clara Omoroh, Dr. Ejiro Kore-Okiti, Timi Brisibe, Augustina Harrison Ojenikoh, Precious Pela, Harmony Agwu, Mrs. Egbo Onosakponome Juliet, Mrs. Irene Tadaferua, Weyimi Omoruwa, Mrs. Erhi and Mrs. G.G. Mure, among others.
FIDA Conducts a 3-day Capacity Building Training on SGBV & CEFM Prevention and Response In Bauchi
FIDA Nigeria with funding from the Palladium Group with the support of USAID under the @nigeriascale Project is conducting a 3-day Capacity Building Training on SGBV & CEFM Prevention and Response for selected Northern Based Civil Society Organisations in Bauchi State.
FIDA Warri Celebrates IWD
On the 8th March 2022, the Chairperson of FIDA (Nig) Warri Branch Megbele Ogechi Jessica was a Resource person/ Mentor at the International Women’s Day celebration organized by Morgan Smart Development Foundation with a mentoring session hosted by Dr. Omawunmi Evelyn Atsiangbe Urhobo.
The International Women’s Day with the theme “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”, Morgan Smart Development Foundation hosted about 50 women to a mentorship session on Entrepreneurship, Women’s Rights, Health, and Fashion.
It was a refreshing session as participants were exposed to strategies on becoming better and hard-working women to help in making society great 💪.