FIDA seeks reforms, laws promoting gender inclusion

International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has emphasised the need for policy reforms and laws promoting gender inclusion and equity to achieve national and economic growth.

This was said at FIDA Lagos 2024 Law Week, themed, “Advancing Gender Equality and Economic Growth Through Inclusive Policy Reforms” held in Lagos. The Executive Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group, Ejiro Gray, said such conversations are important because data have shown that societies that prioritise gender equality and inclusion do better financially and otherwise.

She stated that currently, there are no sufficient policies on gender equality, but a lot around affirmative action. According to her, a lot of work needs to be done within the legal framework to ensure that the oppression of women, which has become endemic in our culture, is changed through regulations and laws.
Participants also tasked female lawyers on continuous education and to avoid imposter syndrome.

The Deputy Editor, Lawbreed, Publisher of the Supreme Court judgments, Mrs Adejoke Layi-Babatunde, speaking on the topic: “Achieving Leadership in Legal Practice: Leveraging a Growth Mindset For Women’s Success,” admonished female lawyers to remain focused, discipline and build themselves academically.

“Every female lawyer must not joke with continuous learning and know your calling. Knowing yourself and growing yourself is the key to showcasing emerging areas of law.

“Everything is a process, you need to practice, develop a personal brand to support yourself and avoid imposter syndrome,” she charged. Mrs Chinasa Unaegbunam, SAN and Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya said, as female lawyers, they need to do three times more work than male lawyers, noting that success is a process.

They described it as a journey where they need to distinguish themselves and move away from a notion that they should be given opportunity because they are women.

They, therefore, urged them to keep investing in books and networking to add value. Chairperson, FIDA Lagos, Mrs Chinwe Efobi, explained that such conferences celebrate their commitment to justice but also challenges them to engage with pressing issues facing the society.

She emphasised the need to create a level playing field for everyone while stating that women must show competence beyond agitating for specific positions.

“As we stand at the intersection of gender equality and economic development, we recognise that sustainable growth cannot be achieved without addressing the systemic barriers that hinder women’s participation in the economy.

“Policies that promote inclusivity are essential not only for the empowerment of women but also for the overall prosperity of our communities,” she added. Chairperson, 2024 FIDA Law Week Planning Committee, Omono Omaghomi said the theme is to propel gender inclusion and how policy reforms can help to ensure sustainable communities. She noted that FIDA is interested in women and men having inclusive communities, as such conditions help for economic growth and development.

“The timing of this theme reflects the urgent discussion we need to have and the innovative solutions we must explore. This discussion will focus on the importance of gender equality and its effect on sustainable development and how policy reforms can help to build a just society devoid of discrimination irrespective of sex, physical challenges and status,” she added.