by FIDAFIDA trains election observers on documenting violence against women in Plateau State
With barely two weeks to the nation’s general elections, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, has identified violence as a major cause hindering the effective participation of women in politics.
It also decried the steady decline in women’s participation in politics, especially at the parliamentary level.
Country Vice President/National President FIDA, Mrs. Amina Agbaje said this at the capacity building workshop for accredited election observers, on documenting and reporting violence against women during the 2023 general elections, held in Jos, the Plateau State Capital.
Agbaje said, “Women constitute a powerful electorate with millions of votes in Nigeria.
“According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigerian women signaled their intention to make their voices heard in the 2019 elections, accounting for about 47.14 percent (39, 598, 645 million) of the 84, 004, 084 million registered voters nationwide.
“Going into the 2023 general elections, there has been an interest in the number of female voters from 39, 598, 645 to 44, 414, 846 and from 47.14% in 2019 to 47.51% in 2023.
“Women represent about 50% of the Nigerian population; in spite of this, their level of participation and representation is increasingly very poor”, She lamented.
“Current statistics of women in parliament in Nigeria confirm that women’s representation in parliament is on a steady decline.
“9% in 2007, 7% in 2011, 5% in 2015, and less than 10% in the 9th National Assembly”, the FIDA President decried.
“Using the 2015 figures, there are only 4 women deputy governors in all of Nigeria’s 36 States”, She maintained.
“While factors militating against women’s participation are varied, a major cause hindering effective participation of women in politics is the issue of violence”, she explained.
Agbaje maintained that eradication of political violence was key in advancing women’s political participation stressing the importance of condensing political violence before and after polls to allow women participate fully.
“It is on this premise that this capacity building workshop is being organised towards advancing the participation of women in the 2023 general elections by strengthening our selected observers who are being accredited by INEC to identify, observe, document and report incidences of violence against women in the elections.
by FIDAFemale genital mutilation, an evil act – FIDA
By Abiodun Azi
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Lagos Branch, has condemned Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), describing it as an evil act.
Mrs. Chinwe Efobi, Chairperson, FIDA, made the assertion on Thursday in Lagos at an event to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM is observed on Feb. 6 every year.
According to Efobi, the day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders involved in ending FGM to celebrate achievements, advocate for abandonment of the practice and raise awareness.
She said it was in this vein that FIDA Lagos joins the world to commemorate the Day which had the 2023 theme as: “Partnership with Men and Boys to Transform Social and Gender Norms to End FGM”.
She explained that FGM referred to all procedures involving partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
She said it was most often carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15, and usually referred to as circumcision.
“From statistics available, globally, more than 200 million women and girls have been mutilated.
“In Nigeria alone, more than 20 million women and girls have been mutilated and this figure represents 10 percent of the global total.
“What this figure means in essence is that one out of every 10 mutilated girls or women in the world is a Nigerian,” she said.
Efobi said that there were so many reasons why FGM was practiced in Nigeria, some of which are culturally inclined, patriarchal system or religious/cultural obligation.
She said it was sad to note that a number of countries still engage in the practice of FGM in spite the fact that some of the perpetrators are aware of the adverse effects on the lives of the victims.
She said that FGM affects young girls more than older women and the psychological effects could impact the lives of a young girl throughout her life.
She said, “FIDA Nigeria, Lagos branch, calls on all stakeholders to raise more awareness in the fight against FGM, and we must not relent in our efforts to raise our voices.
“We must take this campaign to families and communities still practicing this evil act.
“We also call on all government agencies saddled with enforcement responsibilities to take the issue of FGM more seriously.
“To curb the spread of this practice, more perpetrators need to be prosecuted and punished speedily to help achieve a sane and safe environment for women and girls to live in a society free of FGM,” she said.
by FIDA2023 Election: FIDA Nigeria holds workshop on reporting violence against women
As the 2023 general elections draw nearer, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) on the 2nd of February 2023, held a workshop to train observers on reporting acts of violence against women during elections in Nigeria.
In her address at the program, the FIDA Nigeria Country Vice President/National President, Mrs. Amina Agabaje, which was delivered by the Ilorin branch FIDA chairperson, Barrister Gloria Okoduwa stressed that the one-day workshop is meant for accredited observers on observing, documenting and reporting incidences of electoral violence perpetrated against women before and during the 2023 General Elections.
She revealed that a similar workshop was being implemented across the four focal states of the intervention namely Kwara (North Central), Borno (North East), Plateau (North Central) and Kaduna (North West).In her words,
“Women constitute a powerful electorate with millions of votes in Nigeria. 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 percent (39,598,645 million) of the 84.004.084 million registered voters nationwide.
“Going into the 2023 general elections, there has been an increase in the number of female voters from 39.598,645 to 44.414.846 and from 47,14% in 2019 to 47.51% in 2023 evidently women represent about 50% of the Nigerian population.
“In spite of this, their level of political participation and representation is increasingly very poor.
“Current statistics of women in parliament in Nigeria confirm that women representation in parliament is on a steady decline. 9% in 2007, 7% in 201-1, 5% in 2015 and less than 10% in the 9th National Assembly. Using the 2015 figures, there are only 4 women deputy governors in all of Nigeria’s 36 states. While factors militating against women participation are varied, a major cause hindering effective participation of women in politics is the issue of violence.
“She noted that the eradication of political violence is key in advancing women political participation as it is of paramount importance to condense political violence before and after elections so that women can fully participate in elections.
“The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) in laying credence to this fact have clearly recognized that, elections have triggered outbreaks of violence in which women and girls were victimized which have made women a tool of political harassment and violence before during and after elections.
“This has made female voters continue to be disproportionately affected by various forms of election-related violence or threats of violence which is the effect of keeping them away from the polling stations more than male voters.
“It is on this premise that this capacity building workshop is being organized towards advancing the participation of women in the 2023 general elections,” she said.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria is recruiting to fill the positions below
Vacancy for the position of project officer, Edo State
ABOUT FIDA NIGERIA
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Nigeria) is a non-profit, non-political, voluntary association of women called to the practice of law in Nigeria. FIDA Nigeria’s primary role is to protect, promote and preserve the rights of women and children in Nigeria. Its core values are transparency, accountability, teamwork, integrity, mutual respect, commitment, service and we are non-partisan.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Project Officer
Location: Edo State
Job Type: 1-year Contract
Reports to: Programme Manager.
Job Summary
- The Project officer under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager will support the Programme Department in project implementation, project delivery, reporting, resource mobilization, and other related needs were necessary.
- Under the supervision of the Programme Manager, provide technical leadership on the implementation of the project in the State.
- Plan and implement project activities in the state in close collaboration with the resident FIDA State branch and proactively deal with arising challenges, nuances, or changes.
- In collaboration with the resident FIDA state branch, develop and maintain stakeholder and network relationships which are essential to the successful implementation of the project.
- Develop products and prepare project and activity reports, technical briefings, background papers, and update notes for the Palladium project in the State.
- Work to ensure the successful implementation of the project in the state;
- Contribute to the adherence to donor/grant requirements, including financial standards.
- Collaborate with the Finance staff to ensure the proper management of financial records, including the provision of complete documentation for requests and retirements.
- Support the smooth and effective flow of communication with FIDA Nigeria and the state branch.
- Support the Programme Manager and other project staff in maintaining communication with partners, including official letters, requests for technical assistance, and the process of identifying participants and national experts, including trainers, for activities under the project.
- Represent (with approval from the Branch Chairperson and Program Manager) the state branch at meetings, and workshops relating to this project and report back to the respective persons.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the National Exco, Branch Chairperson, or Branch Exco and the Programme Manager.
Qualifications & Competency Requirements
Minimum of a BSc in Law, Social Science, Arts, or any other related field.
Minimum of 2-3 years cognate working experience within the NGO Space.
Knowledge of SGBV & CEFM issues, advocacy, research, and policy development.
Excellent presentation, facilitation, problem-solving and analytical skills.
Ability to communicate (written and verbal) effectively with a wide range of audiences at various levels.
Ability to build and maintain relationships with partner agencies and key contacts in the government, NGO, civil society, and media sectors.
Ability to work independently and manage various projects with limited supervision.
Good knowledge and use of MS Suite (excel, word, PowerPoint and outlook)
Must be resident in Edo State
Willing to start immediately
Languages Skills:
- Must be fluent in English.
Application Closing Date:
Friday 3rd February 2023
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their Cover Letter and CV to: hr@fida.org.ng using the Job Title and Location as the subject of the mail.
Note
- Resumes should include references.
- Do NOT send links to online resumes or CVs.
- Candidates should use the following subject in their email submission “Job Title”
- Only successful candidates will be contacted.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria organized a one-day validation workshop on the proposed Kano State ACJL rules towards improving the speedy dispensation of corruption cases
FIDA Nigeria with support from MacArthur Foundation in implementing a project on “Strengthening collaboration among Criminal Justice actors to deepen the Criminal Justice Architecture to ensure the effective implementation of the ACJA/ACJL” in 6 States of the Federation, as one of its activities sought to provide technical support in the development and or review of the practice directions on the ACJL in its implementing states, in line with the project’s goal of effective implementation of the ACJL as well as improving Judicial transparency, accountability, and Anti-corruption.
On this premise, FIDA Nigeria on the 18th of January 2023 held a validation workshop on the proposed draft of the Kano State ACJL Rules of 2022 resulting from the workshop held on the 1st of December, 2022. Upon validation by all stakeholders present, it was agreed that the clean copy of the document be forwarded to the Honourable Chief Judge of Kano state for his signature.
FIDA Nigeria will through this process across its other implementing states, support the development and review of the State’s practice direction on the ACJA/ACJL, to aid quick dispensation of justice, particularly in corruption cases.
by FIDAFIDA Ondo courtesy visit to the state Head of Service
On 17th January 2023, members of FIDA Ondo ably led by the Chairperson, Catherine Ogunjebi paid a courtesy visit to the Head of Service of the State Pastor Kayode Ogundele
The Call became imperative upon the receipt of various complaints by women working in various MDAs of government who were required to produce marriage certificates in some instances, and some others to change their names reflecting the father of their child as a prerequisite to their entitled statutory maternity leave.
FIDA engaged him on this matter noting that women should be permitted to work without hindrance and to enjoy statutory benefits accruing to them without encumbrances
The Head of Service assured FIDA of taking steps to address all issues discussed.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria condemns the brutal murder of Mrs. Omoboloanle Raheem Esq
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria totally condemns the brutal Murder on Christmas day of a female Lawyer, Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem, who was said to be pregnant. This is a great loss not only to the family but also to the legal profession.
This shocking incident was committed on an innocent citizen cut down in the prime of her life, by an officer of the Nigeria Police, an officer sworn to protect and maintain peace and order in the community. What a fallacy!
Mrs. Raheem and her family were reported to be on their way back home following Christmas church service and a family outing at Ajah, Lagos State.
This is one death too many at the hands of trigger-happy policemen who show no respect for the value of human life nor for the inherent personal rights of citizens
We recall that a similar occurrence had been reported at the same Ajiwe Police Station on the 7th of December 2022, when one Gafaru Buraimoh who had gone to buy fuel at the filling station in the area was also shot
The blatant and repeated violation of the principle of the right to life as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution worsens daily and this cannot be accepted nor tolerated. As such, FIDA demands a prompt and thorough investigation into the incident and a quick dispensation of justice on the matter, thereby ensuring that this case serves as a deterrent to others.
Government must adopt a Zero Tolerance stance on the wanton extrajudicial killings of innocent Nigerians by police officers; enough is enough!
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends to the deceased.
Signed:
Mrs Amina Suzannah Agbaje
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Holds Workshop to Prevent Violence Against Women in Elections
Recognizing the paramount importance of eradicating political violence before, during and after elections given its advantages in the advancement of women’s political participation, FIDA Nigeria on the 6th and 7th of December 2022 held a two-day capacity-building workshop for some selected Law Enforcement Agencies, institutions, and oversight mechanisms in Kwara state.
The workshops key objective was to strengthen the capacities of the participants to effectively prevent and respond to violence against women in elections, Sexual & Gender Based Violence, and other forms of Violence against women” that may deter female electorates participation at the polls.
The event couldn’t have been more apt even as the world continues to mark this years 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
by FIDAFIDA Ondo held her AGM and Leadership Training for Members
FIDA Ondo on the 6th of December, 2022, held her AGM and Leadership training for all members.
The Leadership training was registered for by 44 members of the branch and facilitated by Hon. Justices Alero Akeredolu and Adesola Ikpat of the Ondo State Judiciary and Catherine Ogunjebi, the Chairperson of the Branch.
After the training, members received Certificates of Participation.
Thereafter, the Annual General Meeting of the Branch was held wherein, the secretariat report and audited financial statement were presented.
Members discussed and took decisions on the workplan of the Branch for 2023.
The AGM was chaired by the Branch Chairperson and attended by 5 new members.
by FIDAFIDA Lagos Flags off 16 Days of Activism 2022
FIDA Lagos ably led by its Chairperson, Mrs. Chinwe Efobi carried out a sensitization campaign as part of its activities in commemoration of the ’16 Days of Activism’ which was flagged off on 25th November 2022, under the theme: ‘UNITE!: Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls.
The venue was the Boundary Market, Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA, where members of the body sensitized the market women and men in pidgin English and local languages about women’s rights, as well as the dangers and illegality associated with child molestation, gender-based violence, rape, etc and all forms of gender disparity.
Members of FIDA Lagos drove home their message with placards displaying various inscriptions as follows:
FIDA SAYS NO TO DOMESTICCE
STOP ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN
STOP RAPE
STOP ABUSE
END ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN; etc at strategic locations on the road and in marketplaces.
The activity attracted the attention of passers-by, particularly women who could relate to the issues being discussed, and enthusiastically demonstrated their solidarity with FIDA’s campaign against the menace, as they clamoured for fliers to help sensitize others and help spread FIDA’s gospel.
