by adminCall For Expression of Interest
Call For Expression of Interest to Develop a Training Manual For Election Observers Groups, Young Women Groups On Policy Influencing & Campaigning, Monitoring, Documentation & Reportage Of Violence Against Women During Elections.
Introduction
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is a non-profit, non-governmental organization made up of over 4,000 female lawyers with several years’ experience in utilizing the law to address social problems in Nigeria. The organization’s mandate is the enhancement, promotion, protection and preservation of the rights and welfare of women and children in Nigeria. FIDA Nigeria implements key projects and activities aimed at providing access to justice to indigent persons, particularly women and children.
Background
Women constitute a powerful electorate with millions of votes. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigerian women signaled their intention to make their voices heard in the 2019 election, accounting for about 47.14 per cent (39,598,645 million) of the 84,004.084 million registered voters nationwide. In 2015, three million, six hundred and sixty-seven thousand, and seventy-six (3,667,076) housewives voted in the presidential election, placing next to students (4,480,708) and civil servants (4,628,433). Similarly, housewives rank third on the list of registered voters by group in the 2019 election. They represented 14.10 per cent of the total registered voters by group, next to farmers/fishers (16.23 per cent) and students (26.57 per cent). This figure does not include the millions of women across the various other groups
However, inspite of this progress recorded, Women’s participation in the elective positions has been minimal and has multi-dimensional implications for the democratic project in Nigeria and for the continuing quest for gender equality in Africa’s biggest economy. The 2019 elections was the sixth consecutive general elections since the beginning of the fourth republic in 1999. This marks what is undoubtedly a measure of democratic progress, if only for conducting periodic elections since the return to civil rule. What remains deeply in doubt, however, is how inclusive this progress has been and, in particular, to what extent women have benefited from the democratic dividend of equality and fairness. With gender issues and women’s political and economic empowerment taking center stage on the global arena, Nigeria appears intent on maintaining its position at the bottom of the ladder of women’s political empowerment. Recent data indicates that women’s rates of participation in formal decision making remain one of the lowest on the continent and across the world with women occupying an abysmal 5.6 per cent (86 out of 1534) of all elective positions at both the national and subnational levels.
The lack of inclusive participation of women and youth in the political affairs and governance is alarming. Women and youths who constitute a critical population are aloof or less involved in politics and governance. They are not also proactively demanding for accountability from the government and governmental actors. Participation of the majority of the youths and women in politics and electioneering takes the form of vote buying & selling during elections. The monetization of the electoral process makes it very expensive and difficult for credible persons in the communities, particularly women & youths to aspire for political party offices and general elective positions.
Essential to women participation is the eradication of political violence, in other words, it is of paramount importance to condense political violence before and after elections so that women can fully participate in elections[1]. In the same degree The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) states that, elections have triggered outbreaks of violence in which women and girls were victimized. In others instances violence against women has been a tool of political harassment and intimidation of female election candidates. In addition, female voters continue to be disproportionately affected by various forms of election-related violence or threats of violence which has the effect of keeping them away from the polling stations more than male voters.
Purpose of Consultancy
As the countdown to 2023 General Elections emerges, The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria with support from UNWomen will implement her intervention tilted improving women participation in Nigeria across four focal states namely Kwara (North Central), Borno (North East), Plateau (North Central) and Kaduna (North West). The project aims to mitigate violence against women in elections through collaborative and systemic approach with Stakeholders such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, Security agencies, the Electoral institute and other credible organization. We will through our various interventionist approaches aim at improving the participation of women at the general elections by strengthening the capacity of selected networks, institutions, electoral bodies, and oversight mechanisms to better prevent and respond to VAWP, SGBV and other forms of VAW” that may deter female electorates towards exercising their franchise at the polls across the four project states of, Borno, Kwara, Kaduna, Plateau States. Based on the above, FIDA Nigeria is seeking to engage a consultant to develop a training manual on policy influencing, campaigning, Monitoring, Documentation & Reportage of incidences of violence against women.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be tasked to develop a comprehensive manual with thefollowing tepical sessions: Policy Influencing, Building Strategic Advocacy/colloborations, Introduction/Purpose of observation, reporting and documentation of election violence against women Session, Method of observation, reporting and documentation of election violence against women (Pre, During and After the Elections), Code of Conduct and Guidelines for election observers of violence against women, checklist for Election Observers Of violence against Women Covering three segments of the Elections (Poll Opening, Simultaneous Accreditation and Voting, Result Collation/Announcement and developing a strong domestic election observers, reporters and documenters of election violence against women.
Review and Validation of the Training Manual
In collaboration with the Project Team, the Programme Manager shall review and validate all contents of the training manual. A proposed training manual outline and method for teaching each topic/chapter shall be submitted to fidanigeria@yahoo.com. The training materials developed must be delivered to the National Programme Manager on a date not later than the deadline for submission via email on fidanigeria@yahoo.com.
Requirements
The applicant should be a national or international
educational, research, think-tank, NGO or any relevant organization with the
expertise and reputation of developing training manuals in peace building and
conflict resolution.
Duration
The assignment is for a period of five weeks from the date of
signing the contract.
Fees
The fees for this assignment is subject to negotiation with the selected individual.
How to apply
Qualified candidates should send curriculum vitae and cover letter detailing relevant experiences to the addressed to the Country Vice-President/National President to hr@fida.org.ng or fidanigeria@yahoo.com
Subject of e-mail should be “Application for Consultancy to develop a training Manual”
Deadline: Applications should be submitted on or
before 10th October 2022.
[1] Sibonokuhle Ndlovu, Sani Boniface Mutale, ‘Emerging Trends in Women’s Participation in Politics in Africa’ American International Journal of Contemporary Research Vol. 3 No. 11; November 2013. P.72-79
by adminCapacity Enhancement Training For Legal Officers Of The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Abuja
On the 27th of September FIDA Abuja graced the opening ceremony of the Training Program for Legal Officers of the National Youth Service Corps with the theme “THE ROLE OF LEGAL OFFICERS IN DELIVERING QUALITY LEGAL SERVICE IN NIGERIA”.
The training organized by the National Youth Service Corps was put together to ensure legal officers of the NYSC have appropriate education and training on the ideals and ethical duties of lawyers with focus on the provisions of the National Youth Service Corps Act 2004 and its accompanying Bye-Laws of 1993.
The branch was duly represented by the Chairperson, Chibuzo M. Nwosu and the Publicity Secretary, Olosen Victoria Ibiezugbe. Also present at the opening ceremony were the Representative of the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Mrs C.I Ubah; the Director Legal NYSC, Barr. Ahmed Tijani Ibrahim, Representative of the Justice of the Court of Appeal, Mrs Josphine Ekperobe among many others.
As the guest speaker, the Chairperson in a goodwill message urged legal officers to arm themselves with the profession’s right knowledge, skill and ethics. She further noted the timely invitation as FIDA anticipates a synergy with the National Youth Service Corps by training and integrating corps members as paralegals of the Association and in the administration of justice.
by adminFIDA Imo Commemorates the International Day of Peace
On the 21st day of September 2022, FIDA Imo, in collaboration with Imo Women for Peace and Good Governance Initiative, marked the UN International Day of Peace.
A peace walk was embarked on around the city’s metropolis with massive advocacy spearheaded by FIDA IMO. The high point was releasing a bird, the symbol of Peace.
by adminFIDA Abuja Outreach To Jahi 1 Community
FIDA Abuja branch led by the Chairperson, Miss Chibuzo M. Nwosu, on the 8th of September 2022, carried out an outreach to the community of Jahi.
Present at the Jahi Chief’s Palace were HRH Alhaji Adamu Dogo, members of his cabinet and paralegals.
While the Chairperson enlightened the teaming community members on relevant provisions of the VAPP Act 2015, relevant questions centered around these provisions were asked and answered assiduously.
At the end of the session, the Palace Chief (Alhaji Adamu Dogo) once again appreciated FIDA for its continuous works and prayed the girls of the Community grow to become lawyers and women of virtue.
In her closing remarks, the Chairperson commended particularly members of the Jahi Community for their willingness to uphold the tenets of the law and ultimately the fight against gender-based violence. The branch donated some bags of grains to the community.
by adminFIDA Nigeria Inaugurates Epe Branch, Lagos State
Following the successful Inauguration of FIDA Nigeria Ikeja Branch Lagos State, as the 44th Branch of the Association, FIDA Nigeria resolute on further extending her reach to communities and people at the grassroots, inaugurated FIDA Nigeria Epe Branch Lagos State as her 45th Branch.
The inauguration took place at the KFA Event Center, Km 15, Lekki-Epe Express Way, Lekki, with the theme ”Economic and Intellectual Empowerment for the Women at the Grassroot”
The jurisdiction of the new Branch covers Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki and Epe Local Government Areas of Lagos State, which all fall under the Epe Judicial Division of Lagos state.
The National Executive Committee of FIDA Nigeria was represented by the Country Vice President, Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje and its National Secretary, Mrs. Eliana Martins. In attendance also was, the Chairperson, Board of Trustees (BOT) of FIDA Nigeria, Chief Mrs. Tessa Ikimi; Mrs. Biola Dosunmu; Olori Adetoun Balogun, the IyaOloja of Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Central Business District Ibeju-Lekki.
The inauguration was conducted by the Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria, while Her Honor Mrs. Funmi Dosunmu presided over the swearing-in of executive officers of the new Branch. The emergence of the 45th Branch of FIDA Nigeria is a clear testament to FIDA’s commitment to increasing its reach and presence towards effectively promoting, protecting and preserving the rights of women and children through the use of legal framework.
by adminFIDA Nigeria Inaugurates Ikeja Branch, Lagos State
FIDA Nigeria as part of its commitment towards effectively reaching the grassroots while scaling up on its core objective of protecting, promoting and preserving the rights of women and children, inaugurated her 44th Branch, FIDA (Nigeria) Ikeja Branch Lagos State on Wednesday, 14th of September 2022.
The Inauguration ceremony took place at the NBA Ikeja Branch Secretariat Hall, Old Secretariat building, Ikeja Lagos State.
The Theme of the inauguration was “Challenges faced by Women and Children in Nigeria: The Nigerian Experience!”
In attendance at the occasion were several distinguished personalities including the Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria, Amina Suzanah Agbaje; Chief Magistrate A.B Olagbegi Adelabu (Keynote speaker); Chairman Magistrate’s Association of Nigeria Lagos State Branch, Alex Muoka (Guest speaker); FIDA Nigeria National Secretary, Eliana Martins; amongst several other FIDA members and invited guests.
The inauguration was carried out by the Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria, after which the new Branch officials were sworn in. The inauguration was a huge success and underscores FIDA’s commitment to ensuring that the scope of provision of legal services (pro-bono) is broadened and extends far to the grassroots where it is mostly needed.
by adminFIDA, NBA Train Young Legal Practitioners On Ethics, Discipline In Kano
The Kano State branch of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has trained 100 young lawyers on professional ethics and discipline.
According to the FIDA state chairperson, Bilkisu Ibrahim Suleiman, the training, which was held at the NBA state secretariat, was aimed at developing the capacity of the young legal practitioners in areas they are having problems.
She said the upcoming lawyers would not only need to practice but to mingle and learn from experienced and senior members in the profession so they can improve in handling legal proceedings.
Speaking, Chief Magistrate Umma Sani Kurawa, who deliver a keynote presentation on filing processes for civil and criminal proceedings, advised FIDA to be revisiting cases at correctional facilities for review of convicted cases tried outside the jurisdiction.
“I was opportune to visit the prison when I was a Senior Magistrate and my jurisdiction was to impose a fine of N15,000. To my surprise, I met a woman who was convicted and a fine of N50,000 was imposed on her by a magistrate of grade II.
by adminFirst Bank of Nigeria, Ikot Ekpene Branch Visits FIDA Uyo Shelter
On Saturday 27th August, 2022, First Bank Nigeria, Ikot Ekpene Branch as part of her Corporate Social Responsibility visited Ruby’s Place, a shelter managed by FIDA Nigeria, Uyo Branch.
Food Items and other household items were donated to the Shelter and on hand to receive the Bank and the items were the Immediate Past Chairperson of FIDA Nigeria, Uyo Branch, Emem Ette Esq., Dame Helen Egube,JP and Maria Otuko Esq.
FIDA Ikot Ekpene appreciated the team from First Bank for the kind gesture extended towards the shelter.
by adminFIDA Nigeria Bi-Annual Coordination Meeting
On the 16th of August 2022, Palladium in collaboration with FIDA Nigeria as one of its resource partners held its 2nd Bi-Annual Coordination meeting with some key stakeholders in the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), Child Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM) in Nigeria as part of activities under the SCALE project.
The meeting was to track progress, experience sharing by some key stakeholders, and further advance collaboration between frontline practitioners, SCALE resource partners, and relevant government entities across the SGBV and CEFM sectors in Nigeria.
by adminFIDA Oyo Advocacy visit to Jesus Kids Home for the disabled
FIDA Oyo Branch, ably led by the Chairperson ( Mrs. Olusola Sulayman) paid an Advocacy visit to Jesus Kids Home for the disabled (A registered Non-Governmental Organization) which was established to help children who have been abandoned on account of physical challenges, as well as some who have been subjected to rape and abuse.
The visit was in line with FIDA Nigeria’s mandate/strategic plan which is to engender the improved participation of women, youth, and persons living with disabilities in all spheres of human endeavor.
FIDA Oyo was able to create an awareness in the minds of the people at the home, using the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law of Oyo State, as a point of reference.
The Chairperson appreciated the management of Jesus Kids Home, Pastor Mrs. Ololade Adamolekun for the warm reception accorded FIDA Oyo State. The visit was rounded off with dancing and prayers with and for those domiciled in Jesus Kids Home
