by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Hosts Annual Dialogue with Religious Leaders in Lagos to Tackle Gender-Based Violence
FIDA Nigeria recently held its Annual Dialogue with Religious Leaders in Lagos State, concentrating on the urgent need to prevent violence against women and girls. The event brought together influential leaders from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), fostering open discussions on various forms of gender-based violence (GBV) and exploring strategies to address these issues effectively within their communities.
This collaborative dialogue underscored the essential role of faith-based organizations in creating safer and more inclusive societies. Religious leaders emphasized unity in addressing GBV, pledging to advocate for gender equality and to promote awareness and education on preventing violence in their congregations and communities.
The event reinforced FIDA Nigeria’s commitment to working alongside religious institutions to protect vulnerable populations and drive impactful social change.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Hosts Bi-Annual Forum on Men Promoting Gender Justice in Lagos: Driving Change for Safer Communities
Last week, FIDA Nigeria brought together key stakeholders and community leaders for an impactful Shared Learning Forum dedicated to Men Promoting Gender Justice. This transformative event served as a vital platform for discussing effective strategies to mitigate gender-based violence (GBV) across local communities.
With the invaluable support of the Ford Foundation, participants delved into practical approaches to engage men as champions for gender justice, fostering safer and more inclusive environments.
Highlights of the Forum
- Mobilizing Community Resources: Collaborations were strengthened with local men’s associations, emphasizing community-driven solutions.
- Case Study on Mirel: A thought-provoking case study led to enriching discussions and dynamic presentations that underscored the importance of male involvement.
- Exploring Legislative Approaches: Participants examined local legislation and its role in mitigating GBV effectively.
- Developing Community By-Laws: Strategies for creating robust community by-laws were discussed, aiming to enhance local protection frameworks.
- Interactive Q&A Session: A lively Q&A segment fostered dialogue, encouraging deeper understanding among participants.
- Media Engagement: Press interviews and group photographs captured the event’s impact and raised public awareness.
This forum represents a meaningful step forward in empowering men to advocate for gender equality and play a proactive role in addressing GBV within their communities.
#FIDA #FordFoundationSupport #MenForJustice #EndGBV #CommunitySafety #GenderEquality #AdvocatingForChange #SharedLearning #FIDAInAction
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Hosts Annual Dialogue with Traditional Leaders on Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls in Lagos State
FIDA Nigeria, in collaboration with the Ford Foundation, recently organized its Annual Dialogue with the State Council of Traditional Leaders, focusing on the urgent need to prevent violence against women and girls in Nigeria. Held in Lagos State, the dialogue brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on strategies to curb gender-based violence (GBV) and protect the rights and dignity of women and girls in communities across the country.
The dialogue aimed to:
- Highlight the Role of Traditional Leaders: Recognizing traditional leaders as vital influencers in communities, the session emphasized their responsibility in spearheading efforts to combat GBV, challenge harmful practices, and foster a more equitable society.
- Share Community Success Stories: Participants shared practical examples and success stories from various communities, showcasing effective strategies that have contributed to GBV prevention and the empowerment of women and girls.
- Examine Harmful Cultural Practices: A critical reflection on long-standing cultural norms and practices that perpetuate violence against women and girls was undertaken. The dialogue explored how these practices can be reformed to protect vulnerable groups.
- Facilitate Group Discussions and Case Studies: The event included interactive group discussions and real-life case studies to drive home the importance of actionable change. These case studies demonstrated the profound impact that traditional leaders can have when they take a stand against GBV.
By fostering this engagement, FIDA Nigeria and the Ford Foundation aim to empower traditional leaders and their communities to play an active role in the fight against gender-based violence. This collaboration is crucial for creating safer environments for women and girls, ensuring that they are protected, respected, and given equal opportunities to thrive.
FIDA Nigeria remains committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to eradicate violence against women and girls and to ensure justice and fairness for all.
#FIDANigeria #EndGBV #FordFoundation #TraditionalLeadersForChange #CommunityLeadership #WomenEmpowerment #LagosState #Nigeria #ViolencePrevention
by FIDAEmpowering the Next Generation: FIDA Epe Celebrates International Day of the Girl Child
FIDA Epe marked the International Day of the Girl Child with a special advocacy visit to Ethos Crest School, Ajah. The event, led by the Chairperson, Mrs. Olufunke Oduwole, was warmly received by the school’s proprietor, who expressed gratitude to FIDA for dedicating time to celebrate and empower the students.
In her address, Mrs. Oduwole introduced FIDA Epe’s delegation and shared insights about FIDA’s mission, vision, and the importance of commemorating this significant day. The Vice Chairperson, Sotonye Amachree, and Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Ogechi Olisa-Mokelu, engaged the students in an interactive session centered around this year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future.” The session sparked meaningful discussions, followed by a Q&A segment where the girls’ voices were heard.
As part of their commitment to education and empowerment, FIDA Epe presented notebooks and water bottles to all participants, along with two books for the school’s library, leaving a lasting impact on both the students and the school.
by FIDA2024 FIDA NIGERIA, LAGOS BRANCH LAW WEEK: Women Lawyers Reiterate Commitment to the Group’s Ideals & Mandate
The Four Points by Sheraton on Victoria Island, Lagos was the venue for the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Annual Law Week of the Lagos Branch of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Nigeria), which ran from Tuesday, October 8, to Friday, October 11, 2024.
The 4-day event, which brought together female wigs from various branches, practice areas and years of post-Call to Bar experience, was convened to discuss the theme, ‘ADVANCING GENDER EQUALITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGH POLICY REFORMS’.
The opening ceremony started with the National Anthem, and the FIDA song.
In her address of welcome, the Chairperson of FIDA Nigeria, Lagos Branch, Mrs. Chinwe Efobi, reminded the assembled attendees that this year’s Law Week coincided with the 80th anniversary of the global community of FIDA and the 60th anniversary of FIDA in Nigeria- the body having been founded back in 1944 in Mexico and 1964 in Nigeria. FIDA (which is the Spanish acronym for the International Federation of Women Lawyers) is a non-governmental and not-for-profit global organization that advocates for women’s rights and gender equality around the world. It was established in 1944 and has chapters in various countries, and branches in all the states in Nigeria, all of which, Mrs. Efobi said, are working to promote justice, equality, and human rights for women. She went on to list FIDA’s objectives to include the following:
– Promoting women’s rights and gender equality;
– Supporting women’s access to justice and legal protection;
– Encouraging women’s participation in the legal profession and decision-making processes;
– Addressing gender-based violence and discrimination;
– Collaborating with other organizations to advance human rights and gender equality.
The Chairperson of the 2024 FIDA Lagos Law week, Mrs Blessing Omono Omaghomi also gave her welcome address. The Chairman of the opening ceremony, Mr.Theodore Jnr. Ezeobi, SAN also gave his opening remarks.
Apart from the opening ceremonies, the Law Week programme also consisted of two panel sessions, the first of which was coordinated by Anita Tuesday and moderated by Edirin Essiet , with Ejiro Gray, the Executive Director of the Sahara Group as the Keynote Speaker. Other members of the panel were Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu, SAN, (a Partner at the law firm of Banwo & Ighodalo) and Fayo Williams (Managing Consultant at Simply Exponential Consults Ltd).
All the panelists spoke extensively on the need for the implementation of policies that would favour the womenfolk in Nigeria in line with the overall goals of FIDA.
The second panel session, which discussed the topic, ‘GENDER INCLUSIVE LABOUR MARKET REFORMS: CATALYSTS FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH ‘, was coordinated by Ngozi Arinze and moderated by Uju Othniel. Uju was joined by a distinguished panel consisting of the Hon.Justice O. A. Ipaye of the Lagos State High Court; former NBA Lagos Branch Chairman Chukwuka Ikwuazom, SAN, Elizabeth Idigbe, and a representative of Jean Chiazor Anishere , SAN, who was unable to attend.
At the end of each panel session, awards were presented to each of the panelists.
The second event in the 2024 FIDA Nigeria Lagos Branch Law Week programme was a hybrid event aimed at ensuring the maximum participation of members who could not be physically present at the event. The in-person aspect of the event was held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at the FIDA Lagos Branch Secretariat in Yaba, Lagos.
As on the first day, the second day’s programme which started with an opening remarks by the FIDA Lagos Branch Chairperson, Mrs Chinwe Efobi also featured a panel session with the theme ‘ACHIEVING LEADERSHIP IN LEGAL PRACTICE: LEVERAGING A GROWTH MINDSET FOR WOMEN’S SUCCESS. The session, whose panel included Chinasa Unaegbunam SAN, Oyinkan Badejo-Okusanya, Adejoke Layi-Babatunde, and Chinenye Oragwu, was moderated by Tochi Eze . Each of the panelists shared her unique insight on the true meaning of ‘GROWTH‘, and the need and benefits of cultivating a growth mindset. The session also featured a lovely question and answer segment, after which awards were presented to each speaker.
Day 3 of the FIDA Nigeria Lagos Branch Law Week 2024 featured a visit to the Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care and Treatment Home. Welcoming the FIDA delegation to the institution, the Principal, Mrs. Abosede Oyeniran gave them a brief introduction of the institution. The visitors were conducted around the institution, during which they interacted with a number of the students. At the end of the visit, the FIDA delegation made donations of food items to the institution, and photographs were taken.
The FIDA team also took a road walk from Modupe Cole to the Bariga Market , where they carried out a sensitization programme on the dangers of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), sexual abuse, domestic violence and other related sexual and gender based violence with other ills affecting women and girl-children in our society and the role of FIDA in trying to end the scourge. The Iya l’Oja of the Market, Princess Aderolakemi Awelew received the team on behalf of her members. During the sensitization session, flyers were distributed to the market women to drive home FIDA’s argument. The session ended with group photographs.
On Day 4 of the Law Week, FIDA Lagos Branch marked the International Day of the Girl Child, which was slated for October 11, 2024 with the theme ‘GIRLS VISION FOR THE FUTURE’. The commemoration featured advocacy visits to two Ikoyi-based schools, namely, The Holy Child College , and the Aunty Ayo International School.
The visit to the Holy Child College was graced by a large turnout of FIDA members – amongst them the visiting Mrs. Mojirayo Ogunlana-Nkanga (currently the Secretary of FIDA Nigeria (Abuja Branch). The programme was coordinated by Mrs. Nnenna Nwaokobia , while the Keynote Speakers were Dr. Kemi Ogunoiki and Mrs. Ohunene Scott-Ananaba.
In her welcome address, the FIDA Lagos Branch Chairperson, Mrs. Efobi reiterated the purpose of the visit, which was to educate the girls on their rights, and to keep them informed about ways to achieve success, both in their careers and their personal lives. FIDA’s visit, she added, was aimed at creating awareness and to enlighten the students on the role of FIDA.
In her keynote, Dr. Kemi Ogunoiki also spoke on the rights of the girl-child, citing the various extant laws protecting these rights.
Also speaking, Mrs. Ohunene Scott-Ananaba explored the topic “DARE TO BE DIFFERENT”. She encouraged the girls to be ambitious and resilient in their work.
The two keynote speeches were greeted with another lively Q&A session, after which the Affirmation was taken. The vote of thanks was given by a representative of the school as the event came to a close with the taking of group photographs.
The FIDANS proceeded afterwards to the Aunty Ayo International School.
There, the Keynote speakers were Mrs. Tochi Eze and Mrs. Clementina Ramsey-Osere . Both speakers reiterated the themes so well enunciated at the previous visit concerning the rights of the girl-child and the laws safeguarding them, as well as the need for every girl-child to recognize and take advantage of opportunities early in life, in order to achieve personal and professional success.
There was also a Q&A session led by Chinenye Oragwu, after which the Girls Affirmation was uttered. Flyers, FIDA Helplines and refreshments were distributed among the students, awards were presented to the Keynote Speakers, and photos were taken, as the event drew to a close.
The 2024 FIDA Nigeria Lagos Branch Law Week was concluded with a grand Dinner at the prestigious Radisson Blu Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos, which also featured the presentation of awards against the backdrop of soulful music and a prevailing atmosphere of camaraderie among the attendees.
The Chairman of the Dinner night and awards was Andrew Malgwi, SAN.
It was the culmination of a fun-filled, exciting, successful and impactful Week.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Epe commemorated Children’s Day with Child Advocacy Outreach to two campuses of Chrisland School, Lekki and VGC.
FIDA Nigeria Epe commemorated Children’s Day with Child Advocacy Outreach to two campuses of Chrisland School, Lekki and VGC.
The Lekki team ably led by our Chairperson, Olufunke Oduwole spoke to the children on the Girl and Boy Child as role models. Bullying , Drug Addiction and Child in a digital world were extensively discussed by the delegation made up of Uchenna Ogwo (GS), Amaka Aneke (Treasurer) , Genevin Kris-Njoku(Welfare), Omolara Elsie Jinadu and Ibrokam Akai. There was role play, question and answer session and presentation of gifts.
Simultaneously in the VGC campus, the team ably led by our Vice chairperson Sotonye Amachree discussed the same topics. Ogechi Olisa-Mokelu (PRO) , Cynthia Igwebuike (AGS) , Abiye Tam-George , Ebinimi Afrogha were all in attendance . It was an interactive session with question and answer session and presentation of gifts.
The school management thanked FIDA Nigeria Epe for celebrating their children and assured us that all that was taught would be put into practice.
by FIDAChildren’s Day 2024 Celebration at Onayade Primary School
We celebrated Children’s Day 2024 with the exceptional pupils of Onayade Primary School. This special event was led by the dedicated Mrs. Nnenna Nwokobia, head of the project committee, and supported by representatives from our esteemed collaborative partners at IDR Memorial Foundation.
Our inspirational champion, Fidan Ngozi Arinze, conducted an enlightening sensitization session, empowering the children with knowledge about their rights as enshrined in the Constitution and the Child Rights Act.
Together, we are building a brighter future for these incredible young minds.
4o
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Epe Branch Advocates Against Female Genital Mutilation on International Day of Zero Tolerance: Her Voice, Her Future
FIDA Nigeria Epe Branch Commemorates the International Day of Zero Tolerance For Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) with a media advocacy journalism .
On 6th of February , FIDA Epe commemorated the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM ) with a media advocacy on Law FM 103.9 .
In discussing the theme for the year : Her Voice , Her Future , Mrs . Abiye Tam-George while speaking on behalf of FIDA Epe emphasized on the need for the survivors of this harmful practice to speak up and challenge this harmful gender norm in our communities in order to eliminate it completely . We must create environments where girls and women can enjoy their rights to health , education and safety . Let’s unite to safeguard the future of our girls.
#FIDAEpe #FIDAcares #StopFGM #HervoiceHerfuture
by FIDAFIDA Rivers Empowers Opobo/Nkoro Community: A Compassionate Outreach and Legal Clinic during FIDA Week/36th Anniversary
In a gesture of empowerment and community engagement, FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch, orchestrated a transformative community outreach and legal clinic on December 7, 2023, as part of its FIDA Week/36th Anniversary activities. The event unfolded in the heart of Opobo/Nkoro Community in Rivers State, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those it touched.
The program commenced with a heartfelt prayer led by Mrs. Felicia, the women leader, setting a tone of unity and purpose. Mrs. Adata Bio-Briggs, the Chairperson, then delivered opening remarks, articulating the significance of the visit to the attending women.
A series of enlightening sessions unfolded, delving into the provisions of the VAPP Law, Child Rights Law, Constitutional Rights, and the importance of moral living. The engagement was interactive, featuring a robust question and answer session, ensuring clarity on any lingering uncertainties.
Beyond informative discussions, the community members were offered access to vital medical services. The Engraced Life Foundation spearheaded free Breast Cancer Screening, while the Association of Lady Pharmacists and Nigerian Medical Association Rivers State provided medical checks and complimentary medications. The event also witnessed charitable donations, extending support to those in need.
Crucially, the outreach provided a platform for free legal clinic services and counseling, reinforcing FIDA Rivers’ commitment to empowering and uplifting the community. This initiative not only marked a significant chapter in FIDA’s ongoing efforts but also exemplified the organization’s dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals within the Opobo/Nkoro Community.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Badagry 2023 Annual Law Week: Empowering Women and Girls, Transforming the World
The Badagry branch of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Nigeria) is thrilled to announce the commencement of its annual Law Week from Wednesday, December 6, to Friday, December 8, 2023.
In a recent press release shared with NEWSWIRE Law & Events magazine, the focal point of this year’s event is encapsulated in the theme, “EMPOWER A WOMAN, EMPOWER A GIRL CHILD, EMPOWER THE WORLD.”
The Law Week activities will unfold at De Santiago Milan Hotel & Suites in Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos, kicking off at 9 am daily. A key highlight is the Opening Keynote Address, set to be delivered by the esteemed Titilola Akinlawon, SAN. This thought-provoking presentation will be further explored by distinguished panelists Abimbola Akeredolu, SAN, and Jean Chiazor Anishere, SAN.
An essential component of the Law Week is the Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled for Thursday, December 7th, at 9 am, hosted at the FIDA Badagry Branch Secretariat.
FIDA Badagry Branch will also extend its impact beyond the legal realm with activities like a visit to the children’s ward at the Mother and Child Care Centre, along with a visit to the SCIAN (Disabled) facility in Amuwo-Odofin. These visits, slated for Friday, December 8, from 9 am to 12 pm, underscore FIDA’s commitment to community engagement and social responsibility.
The culmination of the Law Week will be marked by a grand Dinner on Friday, starting at 6 pm, held at De Santiago Milan Hotel & Suites, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos. This celebration promises to be a fitting conclusion to a week dedicated to legal discourse, empowerment, and community outreach.
Stay tuned for updates and highlights as FIDA Nigeria Badagry 2023 Law Week unfolds, making a positive impact in the pursuit of empowerment and justice.