Blog

by FIDA

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

by FIDA

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

by FIDA

16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM 2020

2020 UNiTE Campaign Theme: “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!”

FIDA Nigeria joins the world in commemorating the annual 16 Days Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with a lineup of several activities, commencing from 25th November to 10th December 2020.

This year has been a challenging year in the world with the Covid-19 Pandemic and then in Nigeria came the #EndSARS/Police Brutality protests which resulted in crises and curfews nationwide causing further distress to the vulnerable in society.

In all of this, FIDA Nigeria acted in line with the theme for this year – we Funded, supported Programs, responded to calls, and strived to Prevent all forms of GBV against the vulnerable in society.

Ending gender-based discrimination and violence is a global priority that requires collective action, Accordingly, as the world marks this year’s 16 days of Activism against gender-based violence, FIDA Nigeria calls on all stakeholders to play an active part in the sensitization, prevention, protection and enforcement to ensure the Elimination of these ills in our society.

This call is imperative as the rate of violence has escalated due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other related reasons, reports clearly show an alarming increase in the already existing pandemic of violence against women and children.

The UN Secretary-General in delivering his report on, “Shared Responsibility, Global Solidarity: Responding to the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19″ stated that” Accompanying the crisis has been a spike in domestic violence reporting, at exactly the time that services, including rule of law, health and shelters, are being diverted to address the pandemic”.

FIDA Nigeria in her bid to curb the high rate of GBV during the lockdown engaged in different programs, ranging from press releases/conference, advocacy visits (to Attorney Generals, IGP & Media Houses), sensitizations, Rallies and social media campaigns.

In commemoration of the 2020 16 days activism against Gender-based violence on the theme” Fund, Respond, Prevent and Collect” FIDA is putting together a project to provide access of justice at the grassroots level for victims of Gender-based violence by training paralegals. We call on the support of the Federal and State Governments to fund this project in addition to the establishment of Gender Desks at police stations and the Ministry of Justice with trained personnel for accelerated treatment of cases, one-stop referral centres in all states with rapid response units and sex offenders register with a shared database; free and compulsory medical treatment for victims and compulsory psycho-analysis for the accused, special courts for the trial of GBV cases.

Protection for victims of GBV; the accelerated adoption of the VAPP Act and the Child Rights Act in all States, and the review of the Penal Code to be in tandem with the VAPP Act.

We insist on the implementation of all legislation related to gender-based violence.

FIDA Nigeria remains committed to protecting, promoting and preserving the rights of woman and children and will continue to provide free legal representation and advice to survivors of Rape.

#RespectNotRape

#StopTheCultureOfSilence

#StopAllFormsOfViolence

#NoMeansNo

#FIDAsaysNotoVAW

#OrangetheWorldStopGenderBasedViolence

#GenerationEqualityStandsAgainstRape

Rhoda Prevail Tyoden                                       

Country Vice President/National President        

FIDA Nigeria    

Eliana Martins

National Publicity Secretary

FIDA Nigeria

by FIDA

FIDA NIGERIA AGM DAY 3

Day 3 of FIDA Nigeria AGM and Pre-Convention Meeting held beautifully with member who could not be physically present also joining virtually. The Executives of FIDA Nigeria including FIDA branch representatives in each geopolitical zone joined in paying a courtesy visit to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, Governor of Plateau State, who received them with key commissioners in his cabinet including the Attorney General of the State Hon. Chrysanthus Ahmadu. The day ended with formal dinner/award presentation at Steffan Hotel, Rayfield Jos.

by FIDA

FIDA Nigeria AGM Day 2

Day Two of FIDA Nigeria Annual General Meeting started with business sessions on continuing Legal education for Fidans with presentations by different Chairpersons. The sessions were chaired by Chief Mrs Victoria Awolomo SAN. The first presentation was on the “Child Rights Act” by Emem Ette(Aqua Ibom State), followed by the “Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act” by Phil Nneji (Lagos State), then the “Administration of Criminal Justice Act” by Chief Magistrate Adefunke Helen Anoma( Ekiti State). Discussions were also held on the presentations. The sessions were concluded by Group work and presentations on the respective legal laws being tools for effective service

The evening program was cultural dress and presentations by the different branches; it proved very colourful and entertaining.

by FIDA

FIDA Nigeria Law Week/AGM and Pre- Convention Meeting

FIDA Nigeria Law Week/AGM and Pre- Convention Meeting held from 18 – 21 November 2020, with the Theme: “Building Effective Service Delivery to Enhance Justice for The Vulnerable in Society”. The week was filled with lots of educative yet entertaining activities.

Advocacy visit by FIDA Nigeria Executives to the Plateau State Attorney General Hon. Chrysanthus Ahmadu Also, to the Chief Judge of Plateau State Justice Yakubu Dakwak.

by FIDA

FIDA Nigeria AGM Opening Ceremony

The formal Opening Ceremony for the FIDA Nigeria Law Week, Annual General Meeting/ Pre-Convention Meeting commenced On the 18 of November 2020, chaired by the First Lady of Plateau State Her Excellency Mrs Regina Lalong who was ably represented by H.E the Wife of the Deputy Governor of Plateau State Mrs. Abigail Tyoden. In attendance were the Attorney General of Plateau State, Hon Chrysanthus Ahmadu and Hon Justice Julie Kyentu (RTD) PCCA amongst other key dignatories who graced the occasion. The Opening Ceremony was followed by a Welcome Cocktail, by the poolside where attendees were entertained with a cultural display

by FIDA

FIDA Nigeria Visit To JOFIN Orphanage Home

Members of The International Federation of Women Lawyers on the 17th of November, 2020, visited the Jesus Only Friend International Orphanage Home (JOFIN), Rukuba road, Jos Plateau state Nigeria, where they spent time with the children in the home who entertained them with beautiful drama and musical presentations. Donations of necessary materials was made to the home to support.

Issues posed by Human Trafficking were discussed, as well as probable solutions in curbing the effects of trafficking; furthermore, the role of FIDA in the protection of the vulnerable members of the society was also considered.

The 2020 Law Week Cake was cut and shared with the children

by FIDA

FIDA Nigeria Inaugurates her 35th branch

FIDA Nigeria, on the 5th of November 2020, inaugurated her 35th branch, FIDA Nigeria Zamfara State Branch. The occasion was attended by government officials, the state judiciary, CSOs, the Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria Rhoda Prevail Tyoden, Deputy Country Vice President Amina Agbaje alongside FIDA members. It was a great success.

by FIDA

FIDA NIGERIA CONDEMNS THE BRAZEN KILLINGS OF INNOCENT UNARMED PROTESTERS BY THE NIGERIAN MILITARY AT LEKKI, LAGOS

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria expresses her strong dismay at the current situation in the country and condemn in its totality the brazen killings of peaceful protesters at the Lekki Tollgate by uniformed military personnel.

It was a horrific Tuesday evening (20/10/2020) watching recordings of the killing by uniformed Nigerian soldiers of innocent protesters on the news.

The protesting youths were peacefully demanding an end to brutality and dehumanizing treatment by the police, expanding their demands to cover better structure and good governance in Nigeria.

A better Nigeria is what the youths are clamoring for, this is not too much to ask from a government who have sworn an oath to uphold the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

FIDA Nigeria says the incessant killings of innocent lives must STOP Now!!!  This murder of harmless citizens is undemocratic, barbaric, and unacceptable. Government has a duty and must make Nigeria safe for all her citizens.

Tension has escalated everywhere in several states such as in Taraba, Ekiti, Edo, Abuja, Plateau, Ogun, and Imo where citizens no longer feel safe and curfews have been imposed in some states.

FIDA Nigeria continues to promote the rule of law. The vulnerable in society particularly the youth have continuously suffered from social injustice and Police brutality in Nigeria. We must stop this, let us use the instrumentality of the law to bring all concerned to book.

We lend our support to the demands of the Nigerian Bar Association and emphatically demand that the soldiers responsible be identified and brought to book as we call on Mr. President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately direct an end to these wanton killings of innocent youths across our nation.

FIDA Nigeria commiserates with the families of the dead and salutes our courageous young martyrs.

The law must now be allowed to take its cause!

May God save Nigeria           #MakeNigeriaSafe

Signed:

Rhoda Prevail Tyoden

Country Vice President/National President

FIDA Nigeria

Eliana Martins

National Publicity Secretary

FIDA Nigeria