by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Holds Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on the Status Of Gender-Sensitive Legislations in Lagos State
With support from the Ford Foundation, FIDA Nigeria is convening a Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue to assess the implementation of gender-sensitive legislations preventing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
In her welcome address, the Country Vice President/National President emphasized the need for stronger enforcement of laws such as the VAPP Act 2015, Child Rights Act 2003, Anti-Torture Act 2017, and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.
This dialogue brings together religious, traditional, and government leaders to discuss barriers to implementation, strengthen accountability, and enhance protection for women and girls.
We appreciate our partners and stakeholders for their commitment to ending GBV and building a safer society for all.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch Commemorates World Day of Social Justice 2025
In solidarity with the global community, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Rivers State Branch, commemorates the World Day of Social Justice, observed annually on the 20th of February.
This year’s theme is Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice.
As recognized by the World Summit, social development aims at fostering social justice, solidarity, harmony, and equality within and among countries. Equality and equity are the fundamental values that uphold all societies. This aligns with the mission of FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch, which strives to promote, protect, and preserve the rights, interests, and well-being of women and children. We use the legal framework to ensure that women and children live free from all forms of discrimination, violence, and abuse in society.
FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch, therefore calls for more inclusive policies and actions that aim to reduce inequalities, restore human dignity, and promote sustainable development—especially for marginalized Nigerian women and children. It is time to bridge the gaps that divide us.
FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch wishes everyone a meaningful and impactful World Day of Social Justice.
Signed:
Tamunoibuemi Life-George
Chairperson, FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Press Statement on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
Theme: Stepping up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM
Nigeria is among the countries with the highest prevalence of FGM! According to the United Nations, Nigeria ranks third globally for FGM cases, with nearly 19.9 million survivors. The 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) reveals that 20% of women aged 15-49 have undergone FGM, with particularly high rates in the South East (35%), South West (30%), and South-South (24%) regions
Therefore as we commemorate the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), FIDA Nigeria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and well-being of every girl and woman. FGM is not only a harmful traditional practice but also a gross violation of human rights that causes profound physical, psychological, and social harm. This cruel practice must be eradicated in all its forms.
Key Nigerian laws which explicitly prohibit FGM, include:
✅ The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 (VAPP Act) – Section 6 criminalizes FGM and imposes strict penalties for offenders.
✅ The Child Rights Act, 2003 – Sections 11 and 21 prohibit harmful traditional practices that threaten children’s health and rights.
✅ State Laws – Some states, such as Lagos, Ekiti, Ebonyi, and Osun, have enacted specific laws banning FGM, though enforcement remains a significant challenge.
We must ensure the implementation of these laws for the benefit of girls and women. FGM has no health benefits and only serves to rob girls and women of their autonomy, safety, and dignity.
Alarmingly however, the practice of medicalized FGM is on the rise, where healthcare providers perform FGM under the false guise of safety. This is a clear violation of medical ethics as there is no form of FGM that is safe, acceptable, or justified.
The theme for this year, emphasizes the critical need for collaboration and action at all levels to eradicate this practice.
FIDA Nigeria therefore calls upon all stakeholders to take decisive steps in the fight against FGM:
- Law Enforcement Agencies must rigorously enforce anti-FGM laws, prosecute offenders, and provide justice for survivors.
- Traditional and Religious Leaders should publicly denounce FGM and dismantle the harmful myths that perpetuate it.
- Healthcare Professionals must refuse to participate in FGM and report any cases where it is being practiced.
- Civil Society Organizations must continue to raise awareness, engage communities, and create safe spaces for survivors.
- The Government must prioritize the elimination of FGM by allocating resources, strengthening enforcement, and implementing sustainable intervention programs.
We cannot afford to relent in the fight against this practice. For every girl at risk, for every survivor in pain, and for the millions still vulnerable to this form of gender-based violence—
FIDA Nigeria remains resolute in its advocacy, intervention, and legal action to ensure that no more girls suffer from this injustice.
The time to act is NOW. Not another girl. Not another cut. Not another stolen future.
Signed:
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
Country Vice President
FIDA Nigeria
Chineze Obianyo
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
EndFGM #ZeroTolerance #ProtectOurGirls
by FIDAFIDA Abuja Advocates Media Partnership to Strengthen Protection of Women and Children’s Rights
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Abuja Branch, has called for strengthened collaboration with the media to enhance the protection of women and children’s rights. The Chairperson of FIDA Abuja, Barr. Chioma Onyenucheya-Ukoh, made this call during a media parley held in Abuja on Saturday, where she engaged journalists from various media houses alongside members of her executive team.
Addressing the gathering, Onyenucheya-Ukoh lamented the rising cases of defilement of minors and other forms of gender-based violence. She reaffirmed FIDA’s unwavering commitment to providing pro bono (free) legal services to women and children facing injustice.
Highlighting the crucial role of the media in raising awareness and bridging the gap between FIDA and survivors of gender-based violence, she emphasized the need for continued partnership. According to her, “A major challenge in our society is the lack of awareness about legal rights, particularly those protecting women and children. Many infractions occur due to ignorance, which unfortunately is not an excuse under the law. This is why we need the media—to educate the public and amplify the legal provisions that safeguard the rights of vulnerable groups.”
The FIDA Abuja Chairperson further noted that while FIDA has been actively working to defend and empower women and children for over three decades, increased media visibility is essential to ensuring that those in need of legal aid know where to turn for help. She stressed that the media must be intentional in shaping narratives that influence policymakers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to take meaningful action in protecting women’s and children’s rights.
She also urged journalists to be sensitive and accurate in reporting gender-related stories to avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes or misrepresenting legal realities. FIDA Abuja, she assured, is always available to provide legal guidance to ensure responsible and informed reporting.
Reaffirming her personal commitment to open communication, Onyenucheya-Ukoh stated: “As Chairperson, I am always available to provide insights on issues within FIDA’s mandate, regardless of the platform. FIDA has a wealth of resources and legal experts who are willing to contribute whenever necessary.
by FIDAFIDA Rivers Strengthens Ties with the Rivers State Judiciary
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Rivers State Branch, led by its Chairperson, Mrs. Tamunonuemi Life-George, has reaffirmed its commitment to collaboration with the judiciary during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice S.C. Amadi. The visit, which took place on Monday, January 20, 2025, was attended by the branch executives, the immediate past chairperson, the secretary, and other members of FIDA Rivers.
During the meeting, the Chairperson introduced the newly elected executives to the Hon. Chief Judge and magistrates present. She conveyed the organization’s appreciation for His Lordship’s ongoing support of FIDA Rivers and its advocacy for the rights of women and children. A plaque was presented to the Hon. Chief Judge as a gesture of gratitude.
In her remarks, Mrs. Life-George outlined key areas for collaboration, including:
Repairing the FIDA Rivers bus to support operational efficiency.
Relocating FIDA Rivers back to Block E within the Rivers State Judiciary premises to alleviate the space constraints currently faced at the NBA PH House.
Strengthening partnerships to promote and protect the rights of women and children in Rivers State.
Responding to the requests, Hon. Justice S.C. Amadi congratulated the new executive team and commended FIDA Rivers for its impactful work. He acknowledged the solid relationship established with the past leadership and expressed his desire to build on it with the current executives.
On the bus repairs, His Lordship advised the team to direct the request to the Executive Governor of Rivers State through the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, citing the judiciary’s current financial constraints. Regarding the office space at Block E, he informed the team about ongoing renovations and encouraged FIDA Rivers to consider long-term plans for acquiring a permanent office space.
The Hon. Chief Judge reaffirmed his support for FIDA Rivers’ activities, pledging to address pro bono matters and recognizing the organization’s critical role in advancing the rights of women and children across the state.
by FIDAA New Chapter Unfolds at FIDA Nigeria!
The FIDA @ 60 Triennial Conference and AGM was an extraordinary event, marking a historic milestone for our esteemed organization. It was a time to reflect on our journey, celebrate our progress, and most importantly, usher in a fresh era of visionary leadership.
On Tuesday, November 26th, 2024, during the Triennial General Meeting, the stage was set for the election of our new executives. The day’s activities culminated in an unforgettable Inauguration and Handover Ceremony at the Formal Closing Dinner, where the baton of leadership was officially passed to a dynamic team ready to guide FIDA Nigeria into its next phase of greatness.
Meet the newly elected National Executive Team:
- Eliana Martins – CVP/National President
- Olubunmi Arajuwa – Deputy CVP/Deputy National President
- Rekia Rachael Adejo-Andrew – National Secretary
- Nnenna Igbokwe – Assistant National Secretary
- Beatrice Awah – National Treasurer
- Philomena Nneji – National Financial Secretary
- Chineze Obianyo – National Publicity Secretary
- Amina Suzanah Agbaje – Ex-Officio
We extend our best wishes to these exceptional leaders as they take on the responsibility of steering FIDA Nigeria to greater heights.
Let us celebrate this new beginning and reaffirm our commitment to the vision and mission of FIDA Nigeria. Together, we will continue to break barriers and build bridges for the benefit of women, children, and society at large.
FIDAat60 #Leadership #EmpoweringWomen #BreakingBarriersBuildingBridges
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Statement on the 2024 16 Days’ of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
As the global community observes the 16 Days’ of Activism against Gender-Based Violence commemorated annually from the 25th of November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to the 10th of December (Human Rights Day), FIDA Nigeria stands in solemn solidarity with the millions of women and girls whose lives have been shattered by the devastating consequences of violence.
The theme for this year’s 16 Days’ of Activism Against Gender Based Violence is, “Towards Beijing +30: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls”. This theme is a targeted campaign to increase awareness and spur action to end violence against women and girls particularly as the world approaches the 30th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025 (a blueprint for achieving gender equality and women’s rights).
The crisis of gender based violence has indeed reached a crescendo globally, with statistics showing that nearly 1 in 3 women have experienced violence in their lifetime. In Nigeria, gender based violence has taken a disturbing turn with women and girls often at the receiving end. Every day, women endure horrific abuse in silence—beaten, raped, assaulted and often killed by those they trust the most. These acts of violence are not isolated incidents but a growing scourge that has seeped into the very fabric of our society, leaving deep scars in its wake.
The Nigerian woman is battered by violence from all angles:
- In her own home—a place where safety is expected, she is locked in a vicious cycle of domestic violence and forced to endure humiliation and terror.
- In the workplace—where her voice is often silenced and her body becomes a battleground for exploitation and harassment.
- In her community—where harmful practices, like child marriages, forced and early marriages, female genital mutilation, harmful traditional and cultural practices continue to rob her of her right and dignity of person.
These women are not statistics; they are mothers, daughters, sisters and wives, who suffer daily because the system continues to fail them. Their pain echoes through the hollow promises of justice and protection that are never realized. Each day that passes, these women are told, directly or indirectly that their suffering does not matter, while their rights are being disregarded with reckless impunity. This grim reality underscores the urgency of the call to end violence against women and girls.
FIDA Nigeria’s mandate is grounded in a deep commitment to combat these injustices. Our mission is predicated on the restoration of the rights and dignity of Nigerian women and children by offering legal support to those violated, amplifying the voices of survivors while advocating for systemic change. However, the road is long and the battle is far from being won.
We witness daily, the pain of women who are forced to flee their homes in search of safety in order to escape abuse, women whose voices are ignored and their attackers often left to roam free with impunity, emboldened by a system that has failed to deliver justice. Women who are coerced into silence by the fear of retaliation, societal stigma and the absence of supportive networks.
The violence that Nigerian women face daily does not only harm them—it destroys families, stifles the nation’s potential, and perpetuates a cycle of poverty and trauma that reverberates for generations. However, FIDA Nigeria refuses to be silent on these issues. We refuse to accept a reality where Nigerian women continue to live in fear and we refuse to be passive in the face of injustice. The time for change is now!
FIDA Nigeria insists on action and accountability from all stakeholders particularly the Government, Civil Society Organisations, Public and Private sectors and urgently calls for:
- Legal system transformation Expeditious enforcement of the provisions of the various legislations that prohibit violence* such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act; Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) amongst others, to ensure swift justice for survivors and accountability for perpetrators so as to end this impunity.
- Cultural transformation, where violence is no longer normalised, excused or accepted and women’s rights are upheld by all members of the society.
- Government and community action, to create safe spaces, offer support to survivors and prevent further violence.
- More resources for women empowerment, including financial independence, increased access to justice, education and healthcare, so as to break free from abusive situations.
As we reflect on the 2024 theme “Towards Beijing +30: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” let us remember that Nigerian women deserve more than mere sympathy, they deserve action, justice and the right to live without fear.
FIDA Nigeria stands unwavering in its resolve to end violence against women and girls. We will continue to fight for their rights, their safety and their future. We shall not relent until every woman and girl in Nigeria is free from every form of discrimination, violence and abuse in the society.
There is #NoExcuse for violence against women and girls! Let us therefore unite to end the vicious cycle of violence by accelerating action and demanding accountability. Together we can!
FOR: FIDA NIGERIA
Signed
Amina Suzanah Agbaje, (Mrs.)
Country Vice/National President
16Daysofactivism #noexcuseforviolence
callforaccountabilityandaction #endviolencenow!
UniteCampaign
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 FIDAStrengthening Community Leadership in Ekiti State!
In a significant Annual Dialogue, FIDA Nigeria brought together 40 esteemed members of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Leaders to develop strategies aimed at eradicating violence against women and girls. This dialogue represents a pivotal step in unifying voices and actions within communities to safeguard and empower women and girls across Nigeria.
Through robust partnerships, we are fostering a ripple effect of change that will contribute to a safer and more equitable future.
#FIDANigeria #EndViolence #EmpowerWomen #EkitiState #CommunityLeadership
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
