Rivers

Date of branch inauguration: 16^th May , 1987

1987 – 1989 

Chairperson – Hon Justice Mary U. Peter – Odili (JSC) 

Vice Chairperson – Hon. Justice Daisy W. Okocha (Retired Chief Judge of Rivers State) 

Secretary – Rev. (Mrs) Gloria Akara (nee Kumbin)

Treasurer – Mrs Esther Igho-Joe

Publicity Secretary – Mrs Julie Tamuno Koko

2009 – 2011

Chairperson – Lady Florence Fiberesima

Vice Chairperson – Hon. Ngozi Paul Ajayi  

Secretary – Pastor Mrs Ngozi O.  Odukwe-Ighosevbe

Assistant Secretary – Mrs Gift Sovins 

Treasurer – Magistrate Helen Hardy

Assistant Treasurer – Mrs Nnenna Igbokwe

Publicity Secretary – Mrs. Florence Itamunoala

Assistant Publicity Secretary – Hon. Justice Augusta Uche K. Chuku

Financial Secretary – Mrs Tonia Osademe

Assistant Financial Secretary – Mrs. Nancy Obinwa

Ex Officio – Hon. Mrs Inime I. Chinwenwo – Aguma 

Ex – Officio – Hon. Justice Douye C. Green

2011 – 2013

Chairperson – Mrs Eucharia Somiari – Pepple

Vice Chairperson – Pastor Mrs Ngozi O. Odukwe – Ighosevbe

Secretary – Mrs. Evelyn Membere – Asimiea

Assistant Secretary – His Honour Cynthia Ezra – Jumbo 

Treasurer – Nnenna Igbokwe 

Assistant Treasurer – Jane Don – Pedro 

Publicity Secretary – Hon. Justice Augusta Uche K. Chuku 

Financial Secretary – Mrs Anthonia Osademe

Assistant Financial Secretary – Mrs Sarah Emmanuel Apia

Assistant Publicity Secretary – Ms Fortune Ada Ndah  

Ex Officio – Lady Florence Fiberesima

2013 – 2016

Chairperson – Mrs. Florence Itamunoala

Vice Chairperson – Mrs. Tonia Osademe 

Secretary – Hon. Justice Augusta K. Chuku

Assistant Secretary – Mrs. Adata Bio Briggs

Treasurer – Mrs Nancy Obinwa  

Publicity Secretary – Mrs Mariam wokocha

Assistant Publicity Secretary – Mrs. Veronica Obuzor

Financial Secretary – Ms Endurance Dan – Jumbo

Assistant Financial Secretary – Mrs. Dada Emere – Johnson  

Ex Officio – Mrs. Eucharia Somiari -Pepple 

Ex – Officio – Mrs. Evelyn Membere Asmiea

2016 – 2019

Chairperson – Mrs. Tonia Osademe

Vice Chairperson – Mrs. Bibian U. Okogbule 

Secretary – Mrs. Nnenna Igbokwe

Assistant Secretary – Mrs Theresa Okoye – Akpa 

Treasurer – Lady Blessing Ahunnaya 

Publicity Secretary – Mrs. Adata Bio Briggs

Financial Secretary – Pastor Dada Emere – Johnson

Welfare Secretary – Ms. Fortune Ada Ndah   

Ex Officio – Mrs. Florence Itamunoala 

Ex – Officio – Hon. Justice Augusta K. Chuku

2019-2022

Chairperson – Nnena Igbokwe

Secretary – Esther Mabadeji (2019 – 2020)

Acting Secretary – Mercy Hirse-Damina

Financial Secretary – Lady Blessing Ahunaya

Publicity Secretary – Flora Festus Ifode

Welfare Secretary – Sarah Emmanuel Apia

2022 – 2024

Chairperson – Adata Bio-Briggs

Vice-Chairperson – Tamunoibuemi Jim-George

Secretary – Iniobong Irene Pepple

Asst. Secretary – Chioma Stanley- Amaehule

Financial Sec. – Virginia Kalio Otonye

Treasurer – Erefaka Dumotari Boma

Welfare Secretary – Anthonia Allaputa Onyekere

Publicity Secretary –   Sophia I.J Afolayan

Asst. Publicity Secretary – Concellia Obiageri Enwereuzoh

Ex-Officio – Nnenna Joy Igbokwe

Ex-Officio – Mercy Hirse-Damina

Book Presentation in Honor of her Inaugural Chairperson Dame Hon. Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili

On the 16th of May, 2022 Members of FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch were present at the book presentation in Honor of her Inaugural Chairperson Dame Hon. Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili. The epoch-making event took place at the Obiwali Conference center. The event recorded a huge turnout of Judges at various levels of the Judiciary, both within and from outside Rivers State.

The Governor of Rivers State Chief Ezenwo Nyesom Wike and his lovely wife were also present at the event. Also in attendance were Governors from Abia state, Benue State, and Cross Rivers State as well as National Executive officers of FIDA Nigeria. Others are traditional rulers, Magistrates, staff of the Ministry of Justice, and various sectors of the Civil Service.

The Chairman of the occasion was Chief OCJ Okocha MFR, SAN, JP DSSRS.

Rtd. Justice Adanma Iyayi -Lamikanra was the book reviewer, who did a critical and concise review of the Five books published in Honour of the retiring Justice of the Supreme Court.

The 5 books published in her honor were unveiled by the Governor, Chief Ezenwo Nyesom Wike.

The event was indeed a huge success. We at FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch wish Mi-Lord a Happy and restful retirement, while praying that the Lord continues to uphold her and her family in his infinite love.

FIDA RIVERS @ 35

35 YEARS OF CHAMPIONING THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE SOCIETY

The International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State branch clocks 35 years today. FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State branch was formally inaugurated as a branch of FIDA Nigeria on 16th May 1987 at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, by Mrs. Udom Azuogu, the then FIDA Nigeria Deputy Country Vice President. Hon Justice (Mrs.) Mary U. Peter-Odili, (JSC RTD) became the Inaugural Chairperson while Hon justice Denton-West (RTD) was made the Inaugural Patron of the branch.

FIDA is a not for profit, a non-political, voluntary association of women called to the practice of law in Nigeria. FIDA’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 nonpartisan. Its main objectives are to: promote the principles and aims of the United Nations in its legal and social aspects; establish friendly international relations on a basis of equality and mutual respect for all peoples; promote the study of comparative law; proffer advice to Government in cases relating to women and children. FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State branch actualizes its objectives through free legal representation for indigent women and children, and by advocating for gender-friendly reforms. FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch is one of the over 42 Branches in Nigeria.

Today, as we turn 35, we are assured of doing even more and achieving greater heights than we have in the past 34years. We are committed to seeing a just and equitable society, where the rights of women and children are preserved and where women are given the opportunity to achieve their dreams and live a life free from all forms of barriers.

Congratulations to all FIDANs on this milestone celebration, and the heights attained so far. Together we can do even more in the society.

Adata Bio-Briggs
Chairperson Publicity

Sophia I. J Afolayan
Secretary/Editor

FIDA RIVERS CELEBRATES THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE BOY CHILD 2022

FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State branch, in line with her core objectives of Protecting, Promoting, and Preserving the Rights of Women and Children, Joyfully joins the rest of the world in celebrating the international day of the boy child.
The Theme for this year is, “Boosting Optimism, Restoring self-worth”.

We see this celebration as very unique and auspicious.

We consider the boy Child as important and as special as the girl child.

The 10 Core Principles of the world day of the boy child are;

I)Educating and mentoring.
ii)Honouring boys who are talented and achievers.
iii)Rescuing boys from Poverty and war.
iv)Eradicating illiteracy and underachievement.
v)Addressing Discrimination against boys
vi)Promoting Positive minds and healthy boys
vii)Offering freedom and safety
viii)Championing equality and equity.
ix)Maintaining good values and morals
x)Empowering boys.

Aligning the above core principles with the state of the Nigerian boy Child and considering the rise in gender-based violence, there is a need for a total reorientation of the boy child.

We recognize that the boy child of today who is well-groomed will turn out to be a better adult for the future. Therefore, all hands must be on deck in ensuring the proper grooming of the boy Child in order to bring forth his self-worth.

We wish the boy child a happy “INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE BOY CHILD’’

Adata Bio-Briggs
Chairperson

Sophia . I.J. Afolayan
Publicity Secretary/ Editor

Visit to the Commissioner of Police

On the 9th of May 2022, the Chairperson of Rivers State Branch, Mrs. Adata Bio-Briggs, led some members of the EXCO to pay an unscheduled visit to the Commissioner of Police of Rivers State Command to express the organization’s displeasure at the inhumane treatment meted out on one of her member, a Social Welfare Officer and one other person by the Divisional Police Officer of Akpajo Police Station on the 4th of May, 2022

The Chairperson while thanking the CP for his prompt response when a call was put across to him on the night of the incident, presented a petition to the CP on the DPO’s action, and called on the CP to investigate the matter and ensure that justice is done while seeking for the protection of FIDANs in carrying out their services to humanity.

The CP assured her that the petition would be investigated, and appropriate sanctions will apply.

One Day Training Workshop on the ACJL

FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State branch with support from the MacArthur Foundation on the 29th of April 2022 conducted a one-day training on Administration of Criminal justice law and other anti-corruption legislative framework in Nigeria.

In attendance were participants from the Rivers State Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, ICPC, EFCC, RIVSIEC, Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Correctional service, NAPTIP, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, NCDC and NYSC.

The training was very impactful as participants resolved to synergize and take deliberate steps in implementing the gains of the workshop

20th April 2022

FIDA Rivers ably represented by the Deputy Country Vice President, FIDA Nigeria Evelyn Asimiea-Membere on the 20^th of April 2022, was live on Treasure FM to speak on Domestic Violence and the need for Victims to seek help.

A One-day Workshop On: “Administration Of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) – Practical Approach To Arrest And Related Matters For Law Enforcement Agencies And Launch Of The Police Duty Solicitor Scheme ( PDSS) In Rivers State”.

Fida Nigeria, Rivers State Branch in collaboration with Rivers State Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council, Rivers  State Police Command, International Committee of the Red Cross, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria ( LACON) and Nigeria Bar Association (Port Harcourt Branch), held a one day Workshop on: “Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) – Practical Approach to Arrest and Related Matters for Law Enforcement Agencies and Launch of the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme ( PDSS) in Rivers State”.

The event held on the 13th of April, 2022 at the NBA Port Harcourt Branch House. In attendance were Honourable Judges of the Rivers State High Court and Magistrates, with 250 participants drawn from different Police Formation Division in the State and other Stake holders present.

The intensive workshop was declared open by the Chief Judge of Rivers State; Hon. Justice S.C Amadi, while the Keynote Address was delivered by the Representative of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State.

The Workshop had four different sessions on notable provisions of the ACJL, Accessing free Legal Aid Services at the Police Station: A case study of the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme(PDSS), New Practice Direction and Police Reporting Obligations in the State. These Sessions were anchored by eminent resource persons such as; Mrs. Evelyn Asimiea  (DCVP) FIDA Nigeria, Mrs.Nnenna Igbokwe (Chairperson Emeritus FIDA Rivers), and other Resource Persons from  the International Red Cross Committee, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, FIDA Nigeria Rivers State Branch, and the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitory Council.

The workshop was indeed a huge success and will go a long way in strengthening the Criminal Justice System in Rivers State.

Abuloma community sensitization/Advocacy campaign

FIDA Rivers branch ably led by the Chairperson Lady Adata Bio -Briggs carried out a sensitization/Advocacy campaign on Friday 18th of March 2022 in Abuloma community town hall as part of its monthly sensitization in communities.

The Chairperson gave an overview of the purpose of the visit. She assured them that FIDA in line with our aims and objectives is committed to fighting all forms of Gender-based violence in communities. She urged them to always report all forms of violence to the appropriate authority including FIDA.

At the end, the Chiefs appreciated FIDA for coming to the community to empower them with the right knowledge and urged everyone to always speak out on issues of violence.

International Women’s Day 2022

On the 8th of March 2022, The Chairperson of Fida Rivers State Branch, Adata Bio-Briggs was a Resource Person at the International Women’s Day Celebration for Rivers Onshore and Offshore host Community Women organized by TotalEnergies at the Aztec Arcum Event Centre, Port Harcourt. The Honourable Commissioner of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation and United Nations Representative of FIDA International Hon. Inime Aguma was also present at the event and gave a talk on Stereotypes.
#breakthebias2022

In celebrating the International Women’s Day on Tuesday 8th March, 2022, FIDA Rivers State branch was hosted in several radio and Television stations aired across 13 different programmes to discuss the need for gender equality and this year’s theme ”Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”.

FIDA Rivers Community Sensitization/ Advocacy Outreach at Akuku -Toru LGA, 9th February 2022.

FIDA Rivers embarked on a sensitization/advocacy visit on Wednesday 9th February 2022 at Abonnena Community in Akuku- Toru LGA of Rivers State, funded by the Mac Arthur Foundation on the Benefits and Proper Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL).
The event began with a sensitization visit to the Divisional Police Head Quarters at Abonnema Community, led by the FIDA Nigeria Deputy Country Vice President (DCVP); Mrs. Evelyn Membere – Asimea, the Chairperson of FIDA Rivers Mrs. Adata Bio- Briggs, the FIDA Nigeria Program officer Mercy Hirse- Damina, members of the FIDA Rivers Executive, and other noble Fidan’s.

The Team met with the representative of the DPO, and other Officers on duty, they were presented with hard copies of the simplified version of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) Rivers State 2016 and sensitized on the benefits and proper administration of the law. The session was successfully concluded with a question and answer.

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, 07 Feb 2022

FIDA Nigeria Rivers State Branch as part of her activities to commemorate International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation took the Campaign to Omokwa Community in Abua/Odual LGA where the practice was still strongly practiced.
The campaign was headed by the Chairperson, Lady Adata Bio-Briggs alongside Exco members and volunteers.
The session was interactive and interesting as women were vehemently opposed to ending FGM. They gave instances of death as a result of non-circumcision. After serious advocacy both in local language and special English, at the end of the session, most of the women were convinced of the dangers of FGM

Visit to the Chief Judge of Rivers State

The Executive Committee of FIDA Nigeria Rivers State Branch on 25th January 2022, in company of Deputy Country Vice President (DCVP) Mrs. Evelyn Asimea-Membere and some senior members, visited the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon Justice Simon Amadi to notify him of the change in leadership and to discuss other issues affecting the Branch.

The CJ graciously agreed to increase the specialized GBV magistrate courts and notified the exco that the previous specialized GBV magistrate court established by his predecessor was still in operation, though the Hon. magistrate formally in charge was transferred. He pledged to support the Branch to enable her to achieve her mandate.

National Executive Election 2022 – 2024

FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State branch on the 10th day of December, 2021, held her election and the following persons were elected:

Chairperson: Adata Bio Briggs, Vice-Chairperson: Tamunoibuemi Jim George, Secretary: Iniobong Irene Pepple, Welfare Secretary: Anthonia Allaputa Onyekere

International Day of the African Child June 16, 2021

FIDA Rivers in celebration of the International Day of the African Child visited two schools in Rivers State. Highbrow Montessori nursery, primary and secondary school, Port Harcourt and Community Secondary School, Kalio Ama, Okrika. The children were sensitized on their Rights and Responsibilities, positive use of the internet, Smartphone use tips for students, preventing sexual violence against a third party, PANTS Rules, and many more

International Day of the Girl Child 2020

In commemoration of the International day of the girl child, 11^th  October, 2020, FIDA Rivers in collaboration with Rhema Care Integrated  Development Center in a sensitization advocacy program carried out in Ogbogoro Community, encouraged everyone and particularly the girls in attendance on the need to speak out on every SGBV meted out on them or any other person.

Day 4: Activity on Effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice law in Rivers State.

Date : Friday, 18th September, 2020.

Compered by Okorite Yobo Briggs and Stephanie Ekpebulu, the day’s event being the last (grand finale), commenced with an opening prayer by the Assistant Comptroller of the Correctional Service, T. S Spiff, followed by introduction of participants.

In his welcome\opening remarks, the FIDA National representative Horsfall Ugboji intimated participants on the core objective of the ACJL and FIDA’s desire to secure a just and peaceful society hence the sensitization of key stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice law in the 14 implementing states, which includes Rivers State.

In her presentation as facilitator for the day, Hon. Justice Florence Atili Fiberesima, enlightening participants drawn from the Bench, Bar, Police and Correctional Services. commenced by saying the ACJL has 49 parts, 505 sections and Forms found in the Schedule.

Highlighting sections relating to stakeholders in ensuring easy application of the law in the course of duty, Her lordship drew attention to clarity of purpose in these words “When the purpose of a thing is known abuse is reduced “. Asking what the stakeholders can contribute to ensure the applicability of this law in the interest of all concerned, Her lordship lamented the under utilization of the provisions of this law especially regarding the forms set out for the prosecution to enable them draft charges appropriately.

Speaking further, Justice Fiberesima reminded participants of the need to distinguish trials of children and young persons’ otherwise categorized as vulnerable persons, using the Child’s Right Law as the ACJL has no provisions for the child except in issues of bail.

Emphasizing the importance of excluding unnecessary parties when taking the evidence of a child, Justice Fiberesima further highlighted sections dealing with Parole and non-custodial consideration as a means of decongesting the Correctional Service Facilities,

Rounding off her presentation, the erudite Justice Fiberesima appreciated the role of FIDA for giving a platform for all stakeholders to get the knowledge of the law, appreciate it’s beauty and proffer methods of effective application in and from their perspectives.

The activity which rounded off with a break out session had representatives from each group , presenting action plans for sustainability of the network to enable smooth administration of the law.

A communique compiling activities from Tuesday the 15th September through today, was read by the Branch Chairperson Ngozi Odukwe Ighosevbe.

Day 3: Activity on Effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice law in Rivers State. 17th September, 2020.

Participants for the day who are Magistrates from the State’s Magistracy, had the Director,  Rivers  State Legal Aid Council, Jane Frances Bianeyin taking them through some “key ” sections of the law that deals specifically with the Bench to ensure justice is served on parties especially Defendants who are victims of some peculiar circumstances.

Citing instances and sharing some of her experiences in the exercise of her duties \mandate in ensuring that justice is served,  Bianeyin, emphasized the need for periodic appraisal and meetings with stakeholders to shed some light on some of the provisions that is not in consonance with the Practice Direction to enable lawyers and litigants appreciate the beauty of the law.

Elucidating further, Frances Bianeyin summarized her concerns about the law as it relates to her line of duty thus;

Speedy dispensation of justice and decongestion of the Correctional Service Facilities, timeline in criminal proceedings, parole and non-custodial sentencing, plea and sentence bargaining, power and right of a Magistrate to pay supervisory visits to police stations within their jurisdiction and recording of witness evidence electronically in peculiar circumstances.

Citing and reading relevant sections of the law to get the message passed, Bianeyin engaged participants in an intellectual discuss that got brilliant suggestions for the smooth application of the law by all stakeholders in the interest of the general public.

The day’s session rounded off with a break out session wherein participants presented action plans to strengthen the implementation of the law in the State.

Day 2 Workshop on Effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice law in Rivers State. 16th Sept, 2020

The activity, which commenced with the usual official formalities, had participants who are representatives from all Branches of the Bar in the State.

In her overview session, facilitator for the day, Evelyn Membere Asimiea commenced by tasking participants to share their expected outcome from the workshop. and took them through the innovations and respite the law has brought to stakeholders, victim, defendant and the society at large.

Further elucidating the beauty of the law, Membere Asimiea highlighted other innovations amongst others which includes but not limited to sections 7, 10, 174 sub 3, and 376 which deals with prohibition to arrest in lieu,  mandatory inventory taking,  right of a female person to secure bail and eight (8) days’ timeline for securing a legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution( DPP ) .

The workshop rounded off with a break out session wherein participants came up with suggestions on how all stakeholders can effectively implement the provisions of the law for the good of affected parties and the general public.

FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch Meeting with the Bar, Bench, Nigeria Police and Correctional Services.

A Stakeholders meeting\workshop for the aforementioned, sponsored by the Mac Arthur foundation, commenced today the 15th day of September, 2020.

The event targeted at ensuring a smooth and effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice law of Rivers State by the concerned stakeholders, had participants drawn from the Police and Correctional Services commencing the week long activity. which is proposed to train \sensitize relevant stakeholders directly dealing with persons in conflict with the law.

Chief Magistrate Ilaye Brown, the facilitator In her overview and in-depth analysis of the ACJL, gave an expose of the beauty and benefits of the provisions of the law. Amplifying the dignity of the human person as enshrined in Section 36 (1) of the 1999 constitution as amended which resonates with 33 sub 1 of the ACJL of the right of a defendant to make his or her statement in the presence of a lawyer.

Highlighting further on the provisions of the law, Chief Magistrate Brown enlightened participants on the situation and circumstances when a convict can be granted parole and the possibility and instances for non-custodial sentencing.

It was an interesting and educating session as participants interacted, exchanged ideas through breakout sessions that “birthed ” ways of working together to successfully and effectively implement the ACJL.

FIDA RIVERS in Commemorating International Day of the Girl Child on the 11th of October, was present to educate Girls on their Legal Rights, centered on the Theme ‘Empowering Girls for a Better Tomorrow’. The Program was organized by LEND A VOICE INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child. In attendance were female students drawn from over 15 Schools in Ogale Eleme.

Engendering Legislations:

FIDA Rivers participated actively at all stages in the drafting of the Bills and formal signing into laws 

1. Rivers State Abolition of Female Circumcision Law:2001
2. Rivers State Dehumanizing and Handful traditional Practices law: 2003
3. Rivers State reproductive health Services Law: 2003
4. The Child Right Law: 2010
5. Assent to the Establishment of  both lower and higher divisions Family Court in the State
6. Women Inheritance rights
7. Currently we campaigning and mobilizing support for the Adoption of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act 2015 in the State 

Influence on Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation

The Association through its work on children and the vulnerable in the State influenced the transformation of the Social welfare department to a full – fledged Ministry in Rivers State under the name “Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation” with Hon. Mrs. Inime I. Chinwenwo Aguma, a past Chairperson of FIDA Rivers as the very first Commissioner in 2007. 

Democracy and Governance Programme: 

FiDA Rivers in partnership with Centre for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA) empowered women from various Local Government area to participate effectively in leadership at different levels of governance through its programme on building grassroots democracy, formation of peer groups Increased participation in Community governance Voter education, advocacy and lobbying on genders issues etc. These programmes successfully yielded the nomination and fielding of a number of women as flag bearers in party elections as well as the actual election of women into the Rivers State House of Assembly and ward Councillorship positions. 

Publications: 

We have through our print media reached out and mentored many women groups and individuals. Some of these publications include 

• The Plight of the Nigerian Widow
• Women know your Rights (Courtesy Norwegian Human Rights Fund)
• Women in Governance (1998) – (Courtesy CEDPA)
• Marriage in Nigeria (1999) – Courtesy CEDPA)
• Women Empowerment in Politics (2000) – (Courtesy USLWV)
• Harmful Traditional Practices 
• Violence Against Women (UNIFEM)
• Engendering legislative issues
• Empower Magazines
• Laws Affecting Women in Rivers State
• Women who dared to make a difference through the Courts  
• FIDA Rivers News letter

Scholarship Schemes: 

The Scholarship scheme was launched in 1989 to assist disabled and indigent children in the State to achieve their reams in education and has been effectively administered till date. Presently we have 5 indigent children (2boys and 3girls) as beneficiaries of the scheme. 

Humanitarian/Empowerment Services

FIDA Rivers renders humanitarian services to inmates of the Remand Home, Old People’s Home, Special School for the Handicapped, Children’s Home and other Orphanages and Homes in Rivers State. We also offer Career Guidance and Counselling Services, Seminars, Life Skills Training for Primary and Post Primary Students in the State. We have also empowered women with monetary grants to start off small scale business in the State. The most recent was the economic empowerment with monetary grants ranging from 30,000 (Thirty Thousand Naira) to 100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira)of 30 women in celebration of our 30^th anniversary in 2017. 

Building Coalition

FIDA Rivers in recognition of the necessity to garner critical mass support and partnership in pursuit of the accomplishment of its set objective developed the strategy of engaging partners from all sectors of the State like Government Agencies, Non Governmental Organizations, Community Based Organizations, Security Agencies, Civil Society groups like the Medical Women association of Nigeria, Rivers State Branch, 

Enlightenment/Sensitisation Campaigns:

a. Harmful Traditional Practices 

b. Violence against Women &Children 

c. Women Building Peace 

d. Discriminatory Taxation Law 

e. Plight of Nigerian Widows

f. Voter Education 

g. Women Inheritance Rights 

i. Reproductive Health Rights of Women 

h. Maternal Mortality 

j. Women Empowerment 

k. Types of Marriages in Nigeria 

l. Laws Affecting Women in Rivers State

m. Post Legislative Advocacy

n. Women in Politics

o.    Gender Equality 

p. Enlightenment Campaign on HIV etc.