The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) said it would build a modern shelter for victims of gender-based violence in Abuja.
FIDA explained that the shelter would be a one-stop-shop that would provide not just shelter for victims of gender-based violence but will also include a courtroom and other facilities.
The National Executive Committee of FIDA) led by the Country President, Mrs Amina Agbaje, who stated this at the weekend, said the shelter 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.
Agbaje, who doubles as International Vice-President of FIDA said: “What we desire to do is to have a one-stop-shop shelter that is very big. We intend to locate it in Abuja. While some of our branches have functional shelters, they are relatively small compared to the one we are proposing to build at the national level in Abuja.
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 shelter facility that is solely owned by FIDA. What we do presently when we rescue victims 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 deliver to the organisation 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.”
As part of the efforts aimed at decongesting correctional centres across the country, Mrs Agbaje said 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.