by FIDAFIDA (Nig) Warri, Delta Branch commemorates the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.
As part of activities marking the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, FIDA Warri led by her Chairperson, Megbele Ogechi Jessica organized a one-day sensitization/town hall meeting, on the 6th February 2022 at Ekiugo Community of Ughelli South Local Govt Area.
The Zonal Coordinator of Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Delta State, Dr. Helen Agbadagri the myths, risk and effects of Female Mutilation.
The Zonal Director of Ministry of Justice, Warri, Zino Aikpokpo- Martins sensitized the women on the legal implications of such traditional practices.
It was an interactive and interesting session, and the community women were glad to receive FIDA.
by FIDANO TO FGM: FIDA LAGOS PAYS SPECIAL VISIT TO MONARCH TO MARK UN DAY
As part of its activities to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation on the 6th of February 2022, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Lagos State Branch paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Oba (Alhaji) Kabiru Kolawole Alani Adelaja Agbabiaka, the Osolo of Isolo in Lagos State.
Led by its Chairperson, Mrs. Chinwe Efobi, the FIDA Lagos team informed the monarch that the purpose of the visit was to sensitise the Kaabiyesi and his Royal Council members on the forthcoming Town Hall meeting to mark this special day.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a traditional practice that is widespread in many Nigerian and African communities and has led to the death and disability of many of its victims.
by FIDAFIDA Lagos Commemorates International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
FIDA Nigeria, Lagos State branch held her Townhall meeting which was a follow-up on the Advocacy/ Courtesy visit to the palace of Osolo of Isolo on Wednesday, 2nd of February 2022.
The town hall meeting was to mark the International Day of Zero tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) with the theme “Accelerating investment to end female genital mutilation ”
The Chairperson, Mrs Chinwe Efobi gave a brief introduction of the significance of the day. The meeting was well attended. The Osolo of Isolo and his chiefs – in – council, iyalojas and representatives of different markets, the Youths, NURTW, palace guards etc. were all present.
A paper presentation on this year’s theme by Fidan Ifeyinwa Okpalaku and interpreted in Yoruba language by Ruth Akinwande to the participants. The Oba also spoke in Yoruba language on the harmful effects of the barbaric and harmful traditional practice and admonished his subjects to desist from such practices and also encouraged them to speak out when such is going on.
Fliers were shared to disseminate more information on the purpose of the town hall meeting. It was an interactive, impactful and successful meeting with many members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Lagos State Branch present.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Supports Creation of Additional Seats For Women At National & State Houses Of Assembly
FIDA Nigeria Supports Creation of Additional Seats for Women at National & State Houses of Assembly, Urges Sustained Action by Civil Society Groups on Its Ratification & Assent into Law.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria commends the recommendation by the Joint Senate and House Committees on Constitution review to create one hundred & eleven (111) additional legislative seats in the National Assembly and two additional seats per senatorial zone in state Houses of Assembly and the Federal Capital Territory which will be solely occupied by women beginning from the next general election in 2023.
FIDA recognizes these recommendations from the committee as a step in the right direction even though it falls short of the 35% affirmation demand obtainable in major Democracies. We have observed that from the advent of democracy in Nigeria, Women’s participation in elective positions has been minimal which has significant and multi-dimensional implications for the democratic project in Nigeria and her continuing quest for gender equality in Africa’s biggest economy.
We note this recommendation to be a major improvement from the present scenario where only 21 out of 469 seats in the present National Assembly are occupied by women. This has placed the Nation as the worst performer in the West African Region when looking at the representation of women in parliament, and the second-worst after Eritrea in the whole of the African Continent. Furthermore, at the sub-national level, only 45 seats of the 990 seats in all State Houses of Assemblies are occupied by women which constitute about 4.5% of elected representatives.
As the 2023 general elections get closer, we kindly call on the National and State Houses of Assembly to ratify the committee’s recommendation and for the President to grant assent towards improving the inclusivity of vulnerable and marginalized groups including women in the political process & Governance in Nigeria.
FIDA Nigeria was established in 1964 with main objectives to establish friendly international relations on a basis of equality and mutual respect for all peoples, preserve the rights and welfare of women and children, realising that the happiness of the home and the strength of the society is dependent on their wellbeing and proffer advice to Government in all cases of disregard relating to women and children.
God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Signed:
Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAInternational Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
FGM is still widely practiced in different parts of the country because of varied erroneous tribal/ traditional beliefs and practices.
It is practiced based on superstitious beliefs which range from the preservation of chastity and family honor, to ensuring perceived purification and hygiene, or for the protection of virginity and prevention of promiscuity; not to mention enhancing fertility and increasing matrimonial opportunities in women.
Other fears for which its use is said to protect include – to prevent mother and child from dying during childbirth; while in some communities it enables one to inherit property if circumcised
These totally wrong beliefs (though unproven as correct) remain strongly engraved in the minds of the people and are still widely practiced in Nigeria with young girls being coerced and pressured by family members for forced circumcision. This is FGM and it is a GBV!
As the world marks the International Day for Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation, FIDA Nigeria points out the fact that these practices and beliefs which still persist must be stopped.
FIDA being steadfast in the fight to prevent and end this needless and ugly trend in Nigeria calls on all to work collectively with us to stop these myths and misinformation still very prevalent in the society
In Nigeria, 25 per cent of women and girls, aged 15-49, have undergone some form of FGM (UNFPA). This most unfortunate practice of mutilating the girl child has subjected many to physical, emotional, and psychological trauma.
Note that Section 11 of the Childs Right Act 2013 protects the right to dignity of the child, while Section 6 of the Violence Against Persons prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015, expressly prohibits FGM
With this year’s theme focused on Accelerating Investment to End Female Genital Mutilation, we encourage everyone to join this fight where we also aggressively invest in different programmes to provide support services responding to those at risk and vulnerable to such practices.
We must enforce the applicable laws while fortifying institutional capacity to address and eradicate FGM (female genital mutilation)
Girls must be informed and empowered to act fast protecting themselves; and must also be able to easily access health care and protective service when in urgent need
Additionally other activities lined up in commemoration of this day by FIDA Nigeria across her 43 branches include to carry out Advocacy visits to community leaders and persons of influence in different communities, hold town hall meetings with traditional and faith-based leaders to sensitize them on key issues and the harmful nature and dangers of FGM.
We shall continue to do all within our mandate to fight against Female Genital Mutilation and shall work to ensure that women and children can live freely in society without fear of FGM and GBV
FIDA NIGERIA stands against Female Genital Mutilation; let us Accelerate Investment to End Female Genital Mutilation!
InvestDon’tRest
EndFGM
Signed:
Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Christiana Oyanvutu Adejumo
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAFIDA Warri Branch pays Courtesy Visit to the Olori, Wife of the Olu Of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III
On Thursday, 20th January, 2022 FIDA Warri Branch paid a courtesy visit to the Olori, Wife of the Olu Of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III. The aim of the visit was centered on advocacy and Membership drive to the Olori, Wife of Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu Of Warri.
The chairperson, Megbele Ogechi Jessica who led her executives and members of FIDA, Warri Chapter on the visit to Her Royal Majesty, stated that the visit was to welcome Her Royal Majesty to the kingdom, intimate her, seek collaboration with the Olori in protecting, preserving and promoting the rights of women and children in the Kingdom, as well as programmes and of FIDA aimed at impacting and bringing positive development to Warri Kingdom
The chairperson of FIDA, Warri Branch while addressing Her Royal Majesty prayed for God’s wisdom, peace, continuous protection and guidance throughout the reign of His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu Of Warri. Prayers were also offered for God’s strength on Her Royal Majesty as she supports His Royal Majesty.
The Olori in her welcome address, expressed happiness over the visit of the Galant FIDA Warri Chapter ably led by the Chairperson Megbele Ogechi Jessica to her palace. Her Royal Majesty who is a Legal Practitioner also used the opportunity to reiterate and renew her commitment as a member and promised to work with FIDA for legal issues/advice from time to time.
Responding further, Her Royal Majesty, the Olori, expressed appreciation for the visit of the leaders and members of the organization to the Palace, while informing them she was a member of FIDA Lagos and also FIDA Abuja when she moved to Abuja. She further appreciated the team for identifying with her office. She described Lawyers as one of the few profession she is proud to belong to which is noble and unique profession, and proud to be a member of FIDA, a gallant association.
Her Royal Majesty has also promised to pay all her dues and support FIDA Warri, Delta State Chapter. Highlights of the event was a presentation of FIDA customized t-shirts and cap to Her Royal Majesty, the Olori by Megbele Ogechi Jessica, the Chairperson.
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 FIDADay 4 FIDA Nigeria AGC
On Saturday, 27th of November, 2021; the day’s activity began with physical exercise to help members keep fit.
This was followed by the AGM proper where reports were presented and adopted showcasing the quantum leaps in FIDA in the past three years of operations. The executive committee led by Rhoda Prevail Tyoden took a bow as their tenure ended with accolades. Elections were held afterward to constitute the new executive committee.
The day ended with an award night/dinner held at M&M Event center Abuja. Awards were presented to outstanding and deserving individuals and branches. While the newly elected National Executive took their oath of office and were formally inaugurated.
by FIDADay 3 FIDA Nigeria AGC
On the 26th of November, 2021, FIDA Nigeria began her activities with an Advocacy Walk to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation in commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The walk was led by the Country Vice President, with representatives of all branches in attendance. The representative of the AGF warmly received FIDA’s message delivered by the CVP promising to attend to the request. The National Publicity Secretary, Eliana Martins, gave the vote of thanks on behalf of FIDA.
The afternoon session for the day had four focus areas for discussion with plenaries.
- Using mediation as a tool in handling Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) anchored by Rosemary Chikwendi
- Honing litigation skills for efficiency in handling Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) anchored by Ogechi Abu
- Leveraging technology for efficiency in handling Sexual and Gender-based Violence, speaker Jude Ifesemen
- FIDA and the Protection of Women’s Rights: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (an integral discourse). Speaker Chimdy Onyedim-Etuwewe
This was followed with the Jummat prayer.
A novelty football match between Y.C Maikyau Strikers Vs FIDA Nigeria Babes at the King Turf Arena (Panorama Gardens Al-Fayyum street, Wuse Zone 3 Abuja). FIDA Babes emerged victorious bringing the trophy home with the score 4-1
Later that evening was a variety night where fidans dressed in their cultural attires entertained and were also entertained by a cultural troupe from Jos Plateau State.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria AGC Opening Ceremony
On Thursday, 25th of November, 2021; the official opening ceremony of the AGC commenced with an opening remark delivered by the Country Vice President, Rhoda Prevail Tyoden. She declared that “the tools for addressing gender equality and women’s empowerment” have to be pursued relentlessly for a just and equal society, as this has been acknowledged as an important objective for many decades.
In attendance were Hon. Justices, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Heads of Parastatals, Officials from the Nigerian Police – Force Gender Officer, NAPTIP, Country Representatives of FIDA, Donors/Partners, The NBA Secretary, Civil Society Organizations, FIDA International Officers, FIDA Nigeria Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee & National Executive Council
The Opening ceremony was followed by a Plenary Session Stakeholders Hub with the topic: Charting New Means of Ensuring Implementation of Gender-Based Laws with discussants from the Ministry of Women Affairs, NAPTIP, WRAPA, Nigeria Police Force (Gender Desk) Concluding with a plenary session.
In the evening members attended a delightful event called a “Night out with the CVP”
It was colorful, with lots to eat and drink, entertaining and filled with fun and laughter as members toasted to the CVP and to FIDIA Nigeria
#fidaagc2021 #fidanigeria
