WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND PUSH TOWARDS GENDER PARITY IN NIGERIA

BY AMINA AGBAJE

Women’s Rights Movement in Nigeria – A Step Closer to Gender Parity and Abolition of Gender Discrimination!

FIDA Nigeria, a vanguard in the quest for gender parity, joins millions of others to celebrate the commendable bold move of the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who ended the denial of women inheritance that was prevalent among cultures in Rivers State, when he signed into law on Thursday, 15th September, 2022, the Rivers State Prohibition of the Curtailment of Women’s Right to Share in Family Property Law No. 2 of 2022.

The passage of this law by the Executive Governor of Rivers State is a clear testament to the tenacity and resoluteness of his administration to eradicate and prohibit the restrictions that abound in Rivers state which restrictions, abrogate or curtail the rights of women to share in family property, or make it a taboo for female children to inherit property.

This law is one which FIDA Nigeria has consistently advocated for its passage, all over the country being that it reinforces the truism that Women’s rights are indeed Human rights and as such, MUST be safeguarded and protected at all cost! The Importance of this law cannot be over-emphasized as it will enable women in Rivers state to effectively actualize their potentials, and allow them to inherit their entitlements while paving the way for discrimination to be challenged in court, riding on the back of the new Law.

Certainly, it is mind boggling and beyond reasonable contemplation that, in view of all the giant strides recorded by mankind in the 21st Century, women in parts of Nigeria are still being subjugated based solely on their gender, sometimes leading to outright denial of their rights which the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) has already guaranteed.

It is sequel to the foregoing that, FIDA Nigeria in continuation of its commitment towards protecting, promoting and preserving the rights of indigent women and children, makes this Clarion call on all State Governors to emulate the exceedingly commendable step taken by the Executive Governor of Rivers State and ensure the passage of this law and similar other laws in their states, particularly for States that are yet to pass into law the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act; and the Child’s Rights Act, amongst others.

The above call by FIDA Nigeria extends to all stakeholders in the movement towards the eradication of bias and discrimination rooted in gender inequality. Together we can push for greater actualization for gender parity across all spheres of society as we remain resolute in ensuring a society free from all forms of gender-based discrimination.

#Womenrightsarehumanrights. #genderparity. #togetherwecan #FIDANigeria

* Amina Suzanah Agbaje is FIDA Nigeria Country Vice President/CVP

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FIDA NIGERIA SET TO IMPLEMENT 5-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN

International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigeria Chapter (FIDA Nigeria) is set to begin implementation of its Five-Year Strategic Plan.

According to a press statement made available to CITY LAWYER and signed by its Country Vice President/National President, Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje and National Publicity Secretary, Christiana Oyanvutu Adejumo, the association recently held a 3-day National Executive Officers & Staff Retreat in Abuja to fashion modalities to execute the plan.

“The retreat in addition enabled a Strategic Session involving departmental (Program, Litigation, Monitoring & Evaluation, Accounts, Communications/IT and Admin) presentations by various heads of department,” the statement noted, adding that “The CVP challenged staff to be continuously creative and innovative so to achieve the organizations set goals as stipulated in the FIDA Nigeria Five-Year Strategic Plan.”

Below is the full text of the statement.

PRESS RELEASE ON THE RETREAT FOR NATIONAL EXECUTIVE OFFICERS & STAFF OF FIDA NIGERIA

FIDA Nigeria held a 3-day National Executive Officers & Staff Retreat in Abuja from 13th to 16th of January 2021

The objective was to critically review current operations and performance whilst identifying critical areas requiring refocusing; it also allowed formal interaction by the new National Executive Committee with the new FIDA Nigeria Program Officers both at the national and state levels.
The retreat helped to build the capacity of staff whilst familiarizing them with FIDA Nigeria goals and policies and strengthening their capacity for effective engagement and project implementation. It served as an orientation for the newly recruited staff.
Declaring open the Retreat on Thursday, 13th January 2021, the Country Vice President Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje in her opening remarks welcomed the National Executive Committee and staff, while expressing her immense gratitude for the contributions and continuous efforts made in striving towards promoting FIDA Nigeria’s developmental goals ensuring positive impact across the Nigerian society.

In attendance were the National Executive officers Deputy Country Vice President Evelyn Membere – Asimiea, National Secretary Eliana Martins Assistant National Secretary Beatrice Abongye Awah, National Financial Secretary Olubunmi Niyi-Arajuwa, National Treasurer Chineze Obianyo, National Publicity Secretary/ Editor Mrs. Christiana Oyanvutu Adejumo, National Ex Officio (CVP Emeritus) Rhoda Prevail Tyoden, ably led by the Country Vice President Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje.

Erudite speakers such as Chief Mrs. Victoria Awomolo SAN and Chief Moji Makanjuola MFR, were also in attendance to deliver papers in key areas

The retreat in addition enabled a Strategic Session involving departmental (Program, Litigation, Monitoring & Evaluation, Accounts, Communications/IT and Admin) presentations by various heads of department.

At the end of the retreat the executive committee as well as all departments were effectively equipped with operational plans and approved innovations to further fuel their growth and that of the organization.
The CVP challenged staff to be continuously creative and innovative so to achieve the organizations set goals as stipulated in the FIDA Nigeria Five-Year Strategic Plan

Signed:

Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria

Christiana Oyanvutu Adejumo
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria

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