FIDA calls for protection of women’s rights

To promote gender justice in Nigeria, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigeria, has called for equal rights for women under the law.

The advocacy group reiterated the need to enhance awareness of women’s rights protection and seek justice for survivors of violence against women and girls in the communities.

This was disclosed in its bi-annual dialogue, themed, “Shared Learning Forum for Men/Male Folk Promoting Gender Justice” as part of activities for FIDA’s week-long yearly meeting.

The programme was supported by the Ford Foundation as part of implementation of its project titled: “Engagement, coordination and sharing of lessons on Gender-Based Violence prevention between Religious, Traditional and Government leaders in Nigeria.”

In her address, FIDA Vice National President, Mrs Amina Agbaje decried early and forced marriage which she said is predominantly rampant in Africa.

She added that gender-based violence is deeply rooted in many cultural and traditional values.

Agbaje said that traditional beliefs impose economic barriers on women by restricting resource control and allocating it primarily to men.

“In some Nigerian communities, women are even denied family inheritances. Through this dialogue, we intend to engage men across all spectrum in their communities and engage them bi-annually.

“We expect that at the end of this shared learning event, men from our local communities will network and share experiences on what works and barrier-breaking modalities in enabling gender-sensitive and protective communities.

“We further anticipate that gains achieved at the community levels by men will be reported at each bi-annual forum for effective tracking on behavioural and attitudinal changes by men on the subjugation of women’s rights,” she said.

Project Manager of FIDA, Mr Fikih Obaro urged traditional leaders to create a men’s forum to enlighten men on how to prevent gender-based violence in their communities.

Obaro also enlightened the leaders on bylaws to protect children and women against gender inequality.
He said the dialogue seeks to engage traditional leaders to enlighten the people in their communities on gender equality.

“We want traditional leaders to become advocates of women’s rights in their various communities and to enlighten their communities that both boys and girls have equal rights,” he said.

Also, the facilitator of the dialogue, Mrs Bose Ironsi said traditional leaders need to understand that there are laws and know what is going on in their various communities.

Ironsi said the leaders also need to understand the limits to which they can go in the case of sexual abuse and domestic violence.

According to her, criminal cases cannot be settled within communities. Traditional leaders can mediate disputes among tenants or siblings, butt in the issue of sexual abuse, the traditional rulers must be mandated to report them to the appropriate authorities when they happen in their communities.

The chairperson, FIDA Ikeja Branch, Mrs Marian Jones urged the leaders to help prevent violence against women and children.

She said: “This programme is taking place in Lagos, Ekiti and Plateau States. We have done the first phase, we are presently on the second one. It is a continuous programme under the auspices of Ford Foundation.”

The traditional ruler of Akesan Kingdom, Dr. Abidemi Aberejo who is the Secretary to the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs also advised the leaders to know their limit in any case that is brought before them in their various communities.

“You should not interfere in the issue of molestation and domestic violence because it is a criminal case and it cannot be settled within your domain. It is for you to report to the appropriate authority for necessary actions,” he advised.