by FIDAEmpowering Community Leaders to Combat Violence Against Women in Elections: FIDA Nigeria’s Workshop in Bayelsa State
In a significant stride towards fostering gender equality and amplifying women’s voices in the electoral process, FIDA Nigeria, in collaboration with the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), organized a One-Day Capacity Building Workshop for Community Leaders. The event, held in Bayelsa State, was specifically designed to address the pressing issue of Violence against Women in Elections.
The primary aim of this workshop was to equip community leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to identify and combat factors contributing to violence against women during electoral processes. By nurturing a comprehensive understanding of these critical issues, participants were empowered to proactively safeguard the rights and safety of women in the upcoming November 11, 2023 off-cycle Governorship Election.
Central to the workshop’s agenda was the establishment of robust referral channels between communities and prominent security agencies. This strategic move is poised to revolutionize the response mechanism for incidents of violence against women, ensuring swift action and a safer environment for female participants in the political arena.
Moreover, the initiative aspires to fortify a resilient community protection framework, with a special emphasis on indigenous women and other vulnerable populations in Bayelsa State. By prioritizing inclusivity and equal representation, this endeavor seeks to create an environment where every voice is heard and valued.
FIDA Nigeria extends heartfelt gratitude to the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives for their generous support, which has played a pivotal role in transforming this vision into a tangible reality. The CFLI’s commitment to championing the cause of women’s rights on an international scale exemplifies the profound impact that collaborative efforts can have in dismantling barriers and fostering a more inclusive society.
As the echoes of this workshop reverberate through Bayelsa State, it is anticipated that the knowledge and empowerment gained by community leaders will be instrumental in paving the way for a more equitable and just electoral process. This initiative serves as a testament to the power of collective action in effecting positive change and advancing the cause of gender equality.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria organized a one-day validation workshop on the Bayelsa State ACJL 2019
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Bayelsa State Branch, with support from MacArthur Foundation (MAF) on the 3rd day of March 2023, successfully held its validation exercise on the Bayelsa State ACJL 2019, Practice Direction which was developed at the workshop held on the 19th day of December 2022.
In attendance was the Acting Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, who was represented by Hon. Justice Eradi, and other Judges, Magistrates, representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Nigerian Police Force, National Human Rights Commission, Legal Aid Council, and members from the Nigeria Bar Association.
The participants and the consultant went through the draft extensively while making necessary inputs. After all corrections and observations were made, participants affirmed the document and all agreed that same be forwarded to the Acting Chief Judge for his final input and signing.
The Validation Exercise came to an end with the presentation of copies of the Bayelsa State ACJL 2019, to the various stakeholders in the criminal justice sector with a goal to foster effective implementation stemming from accessibility to the principal law.
by FIDAStrategic Collaboration Between FIDA Nigeria Branches
Strategic Collaboration by FIDA NIGERIA, Bayelsa, and Uyo Branches has led to the rescue of two trafficked teenage girls aged 18 and 17 respectively and subsequent reunion with their families.
by FIDAFIDA Bayelsa, Collaborates with Stakeholders on a Peaceful Walk Against SGBV
FIDA BAYELSA, in collaboration with various stakeholders, organizations, CSOs/ NGOs, embarked on a peaceful protest walk against SGBV.
They visited the ministry of Justice where the Solicitor General/ Permanent Secretary, Mr. Preye Agedah addressed us on the support of the ministry to fight this menace. Also visited the Judiciary, where the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kate Abiri received them in her Chambers and pledged the support of the Judiciary in the fight against all forms of SGBV in the state. Finally, visited the state police force headquarters, where the commissioner of police assured FIDA of the preparedness of the police to handle all cases of SGBV expeditiously and with all seriousness. It was indeed a successful outing.
#notorape
#nomeansno
#justiceforallrapevictims
#breakthecultureofrape
#speakout
by FIDAFIDA Bayelsa Flags off 16days of Activism 2019
To mark the beginning of the 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE with theme: “ORANGE THE WORLD: GENERATION EQUALITY SAYS NO TO RAPE”, FIDA Bayelsa in collaboration with other gender champions (CSOs/NGOs) embarked on a peace walk today Monday, 25th November, 2019.
The walk which was to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Bayelsa State Command, Yenagoa featured the FIDA Chaprerson, Tariere Egbegi bring to the fore, the theme of this years activism campaign and the need to strengthen the fight against the menace of rape. She strongly condemned the unfortunate incident of the PDP woman leader in Kogi State who was burnt to death following the aftermath of the elections. She charged the COP to use his good offices to prevail on the IG and other relevant stakeholders in the Force to see that the perpetrators of the heinous crime are brought to book.
In his response to the visit, the Commissioner of Police, CP Uche Anozia reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force in general and Bayelsa State in particular in the fight against crime and criminality especially with regards to rape. He condemned the act in the strictest terms whilst commending FIDA and the other groups represented for their fight against violence against women.
The meeting was brief and successful. FIDA Bayelsa once again pledges her commitment to continually promote the rights of women and children in the State. FIDA is here to make a difference in Bayelsa State and diaspora.
by FIDAFIDA Bayelsa Boys’ Summit
FIDA BAYELSA KICKS OFF BOYS’ SUMMIT IN BDGS
Tomorrow, FIDA Bayelsa will kick start its Boys” Summit at the prestigious Bishop Dimeari Grammar School, Ovom at 7.30am.
The Boys summit is a Fida Bayelsa initiative targeted at focusing on Boys as it relates to the offence of RAPE in collaboration with FACE Initiative.
The perpetrators of this crime are mostly boys and there’s a need to speak to them on why boys should not RAPE but become responsible and protective of their mothers, sisters, aunts, cousins and female friends.
Also not forgetting that boys are also defiled, the summit will create the platform for the boys to be able to speak up when abused and know where to report cases of rape and defilement.
We hereby invite all FIDANs to attend this summit.
Signed
Bina Timi Johnson-Oregbeme, Chairperson, Planning Committee
Akpoyi Oyintarimoboere Marian,
Secretary, Planning Committee
