Plans are underway by the new National Executive Committee of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) to build an ultramodern shelter for victims of gender-based violence (GBV) in Abuja.
      
The Country President, who doubles as International Vice President of the organisation, Amina Agbaje, who disclosed this in Abuja at the weekend, explained that the shelter is a one-stop-shop that will provide not just shelter for victims of gender-based violence but will include courtroom and other facilities.

She added: “We desire to have a one-stop-shop shelter. We intend to locate it in Abuja. While some of our branches have functional shelters, they are relatively small to the one we are proposing to build in Abuja. It is going to be a centre where all the activities related to gender-based violence can be treated without any stakeholders dissipating energy on going from one location to another. It is a centre where all issues ranging from case reporting, investigation to prosecution and keeping victims safe.”
      
According to the FIDA chief, a shelter for victims of gender-based violence became necessary to enhance speedy dispensation of justice and guarantee safety and comfort for victims.
     
“Most of the time, when we rescue victims of gender-based violence, we do not have a place to keep them before things are sorted out. We found that we are always in dire need of a facility that is solely owned by FIDA. What we do presently is to look for a shelter where to place them, which is not always conducive for our work and interventions.
So, our focus is to be able to build a befitting shelter that has a courtroom, witness box, accommodation and facilities that can be a safe home for women, who are facing gender-based violence,” she said.
      
As part of the efforts aimed at decongesting correctional centres across the country, Agbaje disclosed that FIDA Nigeria conducts legal clinics for female detainees and offer to either offset minor fines or take up matters that need legal representations free of charge.
       
She explained: “As part of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) contribution to prison decongestion, we conduct legal clinics in correctional centres that have female inmates. Legal clinic means interviewing the women on the facts of their case and those that have minor fines to be paid, we often offer to offset such as an organisation. Then the ones that we need follow up in the court, we do the follow up by giving them representations on a pro bono basis.

Other new executive includes Evelyn Membere- Asimiea, who emerged Deputy Country Vice-President; Eliana Martins (National Secretary) while Beatrice Abongye Awah (Assistant National Secretary).
    
Chineze Obiano (National Treasurer); Olunbunmi Niyi-Arajuwa (National Financial Secretary); Christiana Oyanvutu Adejumo (Publicity Secretary) and Rhoda Prevail Tyoden (Ex-Officio).
     
FIDA Nigeria reiterated its continued passion and excellence in preserving the rights and ensuring the welfare of women and children in Nigeria.