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  • From margins to mainstream: Women lawyers push to break barriers

    From margins to mainstream: Women lawyers push to break barriers

    For decades, African women have pushed against entrenched cultural, legal, and structural barriers that limit their full participation in society. Voices from across the continent continue to interrogate the systems that keep women at the margins of justice, leadership, and development. How to dismantle them was in focus at the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) International Conference 2025, reports ANNE AGBI.

    Across African courtrooms, another trial is unfolding, one not recorded in cause lists or filings.

    It is the silent trial of women against the very system designed to protect them.

    From family courts to appellate benches, stories abound of women dismissed, doubted, patronised, interrupted, or unseen.

    In these courtrooms, justice is meant to be blind. Yet for many women, the blindfold slips the moment they walk in.

    Their cases are filtered through cultural bias, their credibility questioned, their voices interrupted, their trauma minimised, and their rights negotiated against traditions never designed to protect them.

    This uneasy truth echoed forcefully at the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) International Conference 2025, where lawyers, scholars, diplomats, judges, and activists delivered papers united by a common thread: exposing the bias beneath Africa’s judicial and governance systems.

    The conference had the theme: “From Margins to Mainstream: The African Woman in Unfettered Sustainable Development.”

    It was held in Cotonou, the Benin Republic, from November 18 to 22.

    Legal luminaries, policymakers, youth leaders, academics, and gender experts from across Africa and the diaspora gathered to confront a shared challenge: how can African legal systems empower women and youth, not as spectators, but as drivers of reform and transformation?

    Discussions traversed justice sector reform, gender-sensitive jurisprudence, political participation, emerging fields of law, youth empowerment, mental health, and the ethical complexities of surrogacy and reproductive technology.

    What emerged was a clear narrative: Africa’s legal institutions must reflect the diversity, talent, and aspirations of the populations they serve.

    Senior legal scholars and practitioners, including AWLA President Amanda Demechi-Asagba, AWLA Founder Hon. Betty Iddrisu, Prof. Idiat Akande, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) (represented by Ronke Fapohunda), and former Ghanaian Minister of Justice Marietta Appiah-Oppong (represented by Effiba Amahire), called for deliberate strategies to expand opportunities for women in both traditional and non-traditional sectors such as maritime law, aviation, energy, diplomacy, taxation, and the creative economy.

    Speakers also underscored the importance of engaging men and boys as allies in advancing gender equality, strengthening mental health support for survivors of gender-based violence, and improving trauma-informed services for women and children.

    Stronger legal protection needed

    AWLA called for stronger legal protections, greater political representation, and increased investment in the empowerment of women and girls across Africa.

    Speakers highlighted that African women remain significantly underrepresented in governance and high-level decision-making, despite constituting a major share of the continent’s population.

    Persistent socio-cultural norms, discriminatory laws, gender-based violence, and unequal access to education, healthcare and economic opportunity continue to stifle progress.

    Delivering the keynote address, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed praised AWLA’s sustained advocacy and its contribution to strengthening legislation protecting women and girls.

    She emphasised the need for collaboration with the UN, AU, ECOWAS, and national governments to ensure that gender equality becomes a cornerstone of African legal and governance systems.

    READ ALSO: I’m okay with Mr. Eazi being friends with his exes – Temi Ajibade

    Mohammed referenced the global momentum generated by 99 gender-positive legal reforms adopted between 2019 and 2024, stressing that AWLA’s expertise is crucial to translating policy commitments into measurable results.

    Mohammed warned, however, that progress remains fragile.

    “Pushback on women’s rights threatens to dismantle hard-won legal protections.

    ”Yet governments, women’s movements, and legal professionals must stand together, defending these gains and pushing forward,” she said.

    She noted that reforms are already accelerating in East and Southern Africa, and highlighted the need for African institutions like AWLA to ensure that pledges become practical outcomes.

    Representing AWLA Benin Republic, Falilatou Bedie stressed that structural reforms and societal change must work together.

    “Moving women from the margins to the center requires recognising their economic role, strengthening leadership opportunities, transforming social norms, accelerating digital inclusion, and integrating women into peace, security, and environmental decision-making,” she said.

    Bedie emphasised quotas, mentorship, funding, and gender-responsive policy frameworks as key mechanisms for women’s agency and leadership.

    The bench of bias

    Retired Judge of the UN Dispute Tribunal, Justice Nkemdilim Izuakor, reflected on Africa’s paradox.

    “Africa is rich in culture, resources, and human capital.Yet the African woman – the farmer, innovator, policymaker, entrepreneur, mother, and community anchor – often operates from the margins,” she noted.

    She added that African women have lived for generations in the tension between visibility and invisibility: present in labour and culture, yet absent in power.

    “Today, we gather not as marginal voices but as architects of the continent’s future.

    “African women are no longer asking for seats at the table; we are building the table.”

    Justice Izuakor argued that a biased bench is not merely a judicial problem, but is a developmental roadblock.

    “When half the population cannot access fair justice, sustainable development becomes a mirage.”

    She illustrated how bias manifests:

    • Women challenging property rights are told, “This is not how we do things in our culture.”

    • Survivors of violence are asked, “Why didn’t you leave earlier?”

    • Sexual harassment is dismissed as misunderstanding.

    • Female lawyers are treated as less authoritative or less competent.

    “Justice is meant to be impartial. Yet judges and lawyers are human, shaped by history and prejudice.

    “When bias enters the courtroom, justice is distorted,” she said.

    She stressed that sustainable development collapses when justice is gendered.

    Justice Izuakor said: “A woman who cannot enforce her rights cannot grow economically.

    ”A girl who sees injustice normalised cannot participate politically. A nation where justice is gendered cannot be sustainable…

    ”A new Africa is emerging, one where justice and equity prevail, and the bench of bias is eradicated.”

    Men as catalysts for equality

    Pinheiro delivered a powerful message: “Humanity advances when men and women are aligned, not when one is diminished.”

    He cited Rwanda’s 63.8 per cent female representation in parliament as proof that inclusion requires deliberate design, not hope.

    The listed practical steps men can take:

    •Support women’s representation in leadership and governance,

    •Champion gender-balanced recruitment,

    • Provide mentorship and advocacy,

    • Ensure gender-responsive budgeting.

    Pinheiro added: When men stand with women, Africa rises.

    “When institutions embrace equity and inclusion, justice becomes reality and Africa rises.”

    Surrogacy: Need for stronger laws

    Administrator of AWLA Ghana, Marian Darlington, called for clear legal and ethical frameworks for surrogacy across Africa.

    She noted that while the practice is rising globally, Africa’s regulatory landscape remains inconsistent.

    South Africa has a clear, court-supervised model; Kenya is developing one. Nigeria operates in a grey zone, exposing families to legal and ethical risks, she said.

    “Surrogacy is not just a medical issue; it is a human rights issue,” she emphasised.

    Darlington advocated:

    • Parental rights protections,

    • Regulated compensation,

    • Counselling requirements,

    • Parental orders, and

    • Continental harmonisation.

    ’Women lawyers essential to progress’

    Director-General of the International College for Diplomatic Affairs, Dr. Tasie Daniel, declared: “No society can achieve lasting development without women in law.”

    He argued that women lawyers bring balance, judgment, and empathy, and are often the fiercest advocates for vulnerable groups.

    Referring to cases of mass abduction and gender-based violence, he said: “The only people who truly understand the pain and trauma of these girls are female lawyers.”

    Daniel urged African governments to expand the pipeline of women in law and accelerate inclusion in leadership.

    Measuring gender justice

    Executive Directors of Global 50-50, represented by Govindi Deerasinghe, highlighted global disparities in leadership.

    “Thirty years after the Beijing Declaration, gender-equal leadership remains far from achieved,” she said.

    Of almost 6,000 leaders globally analysed, only 15 per cent are African.

    She stressed that measuring progress requires not only representation, but also examining institutional culture, inclusion policies, and accountability.

    Resolutions

    At the close of deliberations, AWLA issued 20 core resolutions including:

    • Reforming discriminatory laws and strengthening gender-responsive legal systems;

    • Increasing women judges and judicial gender-sensitivity training;

    • 50/50 political representation in elective and appointive offices;

    •Expanding women’s economic empowerment, financial inclusion and entrepreneurship;

    • Regulating surrogacy and reproductive technology;

    • Strengthening women’s participation in diplomacy and governance;

    • Providing safe spaces, psychosocial support, and shelters for survivors of violence.

    AWLA Founder Betty Iddrisu reflected on the realities that inspired the movement: discriminatory customs, denial of property rights, forced marriage, and legal exclusion.

    “We dared to dream and we dared to act. We created legal frameworks to ensure women could inherit property, access courts, and claim their rights.

    ”These are not mere victories; they are lifelines.”

    From Uganda to Ghana, Cameroon to Nigeria, African women lawyers have organised and rebuilt legal systems to protect women and girls.

    Continental call to action

    AWLA urged governments, civil society, and international partners to dismantle systemic barriers and build inclusive institutions.

    The association called for a justice system blind to gender in practice, not just theory – and policies that prioritise fairness, equity, and accountability.

  • Women lawyers push for equity, end to discrimination

    Women lawyers push for equity, end to discrimination

    What role can women lawyers play in national and personal development? These and more were the subjects of discussion at a parley by the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria in Abuja, reports DELE ANOFI.

    Women lawyers must get to grips with the new and potentially disruptive technologies to thrive in the legal profession and contribute to development.

    They must also continue to push for the bridging of gender gaps in politics while working to end all forms of discrimination.

    Speakers at the 2023 Parley of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria stressed the need to advance the status of women and children, and to eradicate all forms of discrimination.

    The event, which was held at the Media Centre of the Moshood Abiola Stadium on the sidelines of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Abuja, had the theme: “The role of the Nigerian woman in socio-economic and personal development: Getting it right, fixing the breach.”

    The parley also aimed to create networks and partnerships among African women lawyers and like-minded organisations and individuals.

    The speakers included Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, who chaired the event; pioneer Chairman of NBA Section on Business Law, Mr. George Etomi; and a former Director-General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Dr. Roli Bode-George, who was the keynote speaker.

    Also present were Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rita Oki-Emesim (in charge of the Gender Unit at Force CID, Abuja); a former lawmaker and presidential aspirant, Mrs. Olivia Agbajoh, among others.

    Bode-George said national development will remain in the realm of illusion without the robust contribution of women.

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    Yet, she said women were still being undervalued and relegated to the background in the national scheme of things, with their substantial contributions through the years largely unappreciated.

    One way to reverse the narrative, she said, is to amplify the voices of women through a well-structured advocacy mechanism.

    To do this, women must equip themselves intellectually, emotionally and financially, she said.

    Bode-George believes women have more work to do by advocating for their rights and making it a point of duty to contribute to their cause in their spheres of influence.

    “Women in power and elsewhere should be bold to call out discrimination against women and the girl- child,” she said. 

    While she advocated for unhindered access to education for the girl- child, she urged women lawyers to provide free legal services for victims of gender or societal abuse.

    She also said all forms of abusive cultural traditions against women should be abolished by decision-makers.

    Bode-George urged the women to seek financial freedom through their in-built entrepreneurial gifts.

    Agbajoh called for the removal of debilitating obstacles that prevent women from taking their rightful place in the political affairs, such as the huge financial outlay required to contest elections, and widespread violence.

    The parley also featured a panel discussion. Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Institute of Continuous Legal Education (ICLE), Mr. Tobenna Erojikwe, who underscored the resilience of the typical woman, said they can succeed against all odds.

    Citing a report by the International Bar Association (IBA), he noted that despite numerous challenges women face, they account for 40 per cent of lawyers in Nigeria, 33 per cent of whom are judges and justices.

    This, he believes, shows that with greater effort and more robust advocacy, women can  be better placed to contribute even more to development.

    Erojikwe emphasised the need for women to take self-development and empowerment more seriously, especially by getting to grips with new and potentially disruptive technologies, as well being conversant with the impact of globalisation and liberalisation on the business of law.

    He added that women should take advantage of their number to achieve their goals, support themselves and always speak up on issues affecting them.

    AWLA National President, Efosa Etomi, hailed the tenacity and industry of the Nigerian women, adding that everything must be done to elevate their social standing.

    She said: “This occasion is a vibrant tapestry woven to underscore the pivotal role of Nigerian women in shaping our nation’s socio-economic and personal advancement.”

    She stressed the need for stronger forms of advocacy to ensure that AWLA’s mandate is achieved in the shortest possible time.

    “As women step forward into their power and as we reach out and help those around us to do same, we are shaping the world as it should be,” she said.

    Minister: more needs to be done

     Mrs. Kennedy-Ohanenye, also a lawyer, lamented the socio-political and economic situation of Nigerian women despite their number and vibrancy.

    According to the minister, women still face discrimination in their private and public lives despite the long years of the country’s subscription to affirmative action.

    She said what the Nigerian women need is equity, adding that the odds were stacked high against their survival.

    Kennedy-Ohanenye said: “For instance, a 2018 statistics show that only 47 per cent of school-age girls (girls between 13-18 years) attend secondary school in Nigeria; many Nigerian women are underrepresented in formal salaried employment, 15 per cent of women are unpaid for their work, and the labour force participation of women in Nigeria is only 52.1 per cent.

    “Statistics also reveal that women who have full time jobs still spend disproportionate hours on housework when compared to men (this is unpaid work).

    “Men are more than three times as likely to own a house or land as women. (In fact, the World Bank reports that 89.3 per cent of Nigerian women do not own a house).

    “In 2020, it was observed that half of the women in business do not have access to formal financial services which can boost their business and income.”

    According to her, gender disparity suffered by women exists in public and corporate sectors.

    The minister said: “The IBA 2023 Report titled ’50: 50 by 2030: A Longitudinal Study into Gender Disparity in Law’ revealed that women make up 40 per cent of lawyers in Nigeria, while men make up the remaining 60 per cent.

    “Still, only four per cent of women have been conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) since the institution of the rank.

    “As at 2021, there were only 29 female SANs out of about 690 SANs.

    “In the Judiciary, the picture, even if better, is still far from reflective of the numerical strength of women. Only six women have ever been on the bench of Nigeria’s Supreme Court.

    “Only one woman has ever been the Chief Justice of Nigeria and two women have been President of the Court of Appeal.”

    She stressed the need for gender parity in a much shorter time, urging the women lawyers to continue to demand equity.

    The minister said there must be an end to all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.

    “We must each remember that sometimes, equal treatment of women is not enough, what is required is equity.

    “We must continue to push for law reform; we must provoke gender policy formulation; we must intensify and expand our advocacy; we must take part in key discourses on gender parity and women rights.

    “We must champion a national awakening on the importance of recognising women’s rights and human rights; we must ensure our voices are heard and we must ensure that more women are in rooms where decisions are made, women must have a seat at the table where decisions are made.

    “We must seek more partnerships with the government and leverage that partnership and understanding to make a difference,” Ohanenye said.

    The event featured the cutting of the AWLA cake to mark the occasion, a lottery draw, as well as presentations of awards to individuals who have supported the association in its bid to promote the cause of women.

  • ‘How women lawyers can reach the top’

    Mrs Aisha Rimi, a lawyer, entrepreneur, women and child rights advocate, is a founding partner at Africa Law Practice (ALP), where she advises on foreign investment, regulatory compliance, project finance, corporate and operational joint ventures. In this interview with EVELYN OSAGIE, she shares her thoughts on women’s growth in legal practice, education and politics.

    As an advocate of women and child’s rights, what are the causes of the prevalent cases of sexual violence against minors, and how can our justice system be best positioned to tackle this social menace?

    Sexual and domestic violence against anyone, girls, boys, old, young, is simply wrong and unacceptable. We, unfortunately, have a society that does not encourage victims to speak out and when they do, are usually stigmatised, blamed for the act and bullied into not pursuing any action against the perpetrators. There are sick-minded people everywhere and as we have seen, the perpetrators cut across different socio-cultural and economic backgrounds. They are teachers, faith leaders, parents (of the victims), and siblings and so on. The laws exist to punish these criminals, but you constantly hear of “settlement” and non-cooperative victims. Some NGOs, such as WARIF in Lagos, are very active in supporting victims in many ways, by providing healthcare, refuge and even assisting with evidence for prosecution. Our firm has an active pro bono programme where we help victims get justice. I am working on a case where a woman has been thrown out of the house she built, had her children taken away and this after suffering many years of physical and sexual abuse from her husband. We support organisations, such as the Domestic Violence Unit in Lagos State. There are many more sprinkled around the country, but too much is never enough. Education is also important in letting younger people know about inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour no matter who the person is. The justice system needs constant support in terms of resources for investigation and prosecution of cases and the counseling and support of victims.

    From law practice to real estate, the hospitality industry and other entrepreneurial ventures, you are accomplished in diverse fields. What would you say are the secrets of your success?

    I owe a lot to my upbringing, education, experience and family support system. I was brought up in a conservative Northern Muslim home, where both my parents were accomplished professionals. From a young age, my parents encouraged all their children (male and female) to seek knowledge and supported us in whatever career choices we made. Education and hard work were emphasised as the key to success. Being female, multi-tasking comes naturally to me. I also have an insatiable appetite for new experiences and so having studied and then practised law for 10 years, I decided to try out other businesses and entrepreneural opportunities in what I felt were probably the most productive years of my life.

    So, in my early 30’s, I branched out into numerous sectors and grew my “side hustles” into active and successful business ventures. Some of my ventures have included, trading in clothes and accessories, way before online shopping became fashionable; “importing” and distributing fresh fruit and vegetables from the north (specifically Jos) to Lagos when there were no mobile phones and flights often did not take off for days; started an outdoor catering company that eventually morphed into several restaurants; designing and supplying corporate gift items; building and operating a beach resort; buying and selling of land and developing real estate for sale and lease. I could go on and on. Suffice it to say that I am to a large extent able to take on new and financially viable challenges.

    I am now fully back in legal practice in a corporate commercial firm with a pan-African footprint and some of the businesses continue to operate with my capable support staff.

    Although women have made progress in the legal profession, what are some of the obstacles preventing most of them rising to the peak, especially becoming Senior Advocates?

    As with most professions, gender is not really an issue at the entry and mid-management levels. Women for numerous reasons tend to peel off the corporate or professional ladder as they grow older, usually to support their spouses and to start and raise families. Society is changing and women now get a lot more support in the workplace. I think the younger women are bolder and able to manage the challenges better and so I think like with other professions, law will also start to catch up.

    In law, women have traditionally also preferred corporate/in-house work and this is reflected in the number of advocates we see in practice. In our office, we have ensured that women do not feel that by stepping away to get married or start a family, they will be disadvantaged. We encourage and support our female employees to take time, when they need to. They can work from home when the situation demands it. They can get personal days off to attend vaccination clinics, tend to a sick child or even go to common entrance exams. I am proud to say that we actually have more female staff in the firm and in senior positions. We reward loyalty and hardwork and that’s how it should be. We do not see gender. We see professionals!

    What is your advice to them on surmounting these obstacles?

    Be bold, confident and self-assured. Women also need to create their own networks and “clubs” where they can support and mentor each other. Men do it all the time and there is no reason we cannot do the same. As much as I hate to say it, I think women have not helped each other as much as we can and need to. I recently attended a Law Society roundtable on this same subject and we concluded that we have to take charge of this as a group. I read something somewhere which said something along the lines that, if there are no seats at the table, pull one up or start your own table.

     Why did you choose to study law, and how has the journey been, especially as a woman lawyer?

    It just seemed like a sensible thing to study at the time and I felt it would prepare me for life generally. I also had an aunt who looked fabulous in her wig and gown and she made a huge impression on me. Needless to say, I have no regrets. As a female lawyer, I have been lucky, because I have worked with good mentors, who took the time to train and nurture my growth in the profession. I very quickly, however, knew that I preferred the corporate/commercial side of practice but I did go to court in the first few years of practice. I have practised in a firm and rose to be a partner; practised in the City of New York (NY) as a visiting attorney; set up and run my own boutique practice and finally set up a new and dynamic corporate commercial firm that operates in several African countries and with offices in Abuja and Lagos. The firm is a merger of four successful individuals and their practices. We have over the last 18 months started the journey to grow a pan African network of law firms offering seamless legal advice and professional services to our clients wherever they may be based and whatever their needs are. I, therefore, spend quite a bit of time between Lagos and Abuja and at our partner countries.

     What is your take on the agitation for more women to venture into politics, and do you see a woman becoming Nigeria’s president  in future?

    We have had successful female politicians, but clearly the numbers are nowhere where they should be. Some of the reasons I have mentioned above and others revolve around the societal and financial pressures that prevent women venturing into politics. I sometimes watch proceedings and hear how women are quite honestly humiliated by their colleagues. Like everything in life, timing is key. And the time will come for women to rightfully take their places at the highest level. We have seen female leaders in African and Asian conservative countries. In the meantime, we would like to see more women appointed to positions of authority.

    Most importantly, I have often called for more support for the girl child or female education nationwide. That is where it begins. Some states/regions have done better than others. Studies have shown that the educated women have a positive impact on their communities. It reduces maternal and infant mortality rates, because the women are able to take better care of themselves and their children and as the children progress in life, educated mothers are able to give them a better support system. If you educate a woman, you educate a community. Being northern as you have pointed out, but living in Lagos, I have tried to support both communities to which I belong and have made me who I am. I support by way of sponsorship female students who have an active interest in seeking education and have also (along with family members), built a small school that offer vocational training for young women at a hugely subsidised cost. We train the women to knit, sew, make slippers and handbags, soap and candles, etc. It has been heartwarming to see how accomplished they feel when they have learned a skill.

    Do you have any political ambition?

    I have learned to “never say never”.

    How have you been able to maintain a stable balance in your family life, hectic profession and business?

    Everything in life is about balance and nothing should be done to the detriment of oneself, or situation. Having an incredibly supportive spouse, amazing family support and dependable colleagues have all helped me to achieve a relatively good work–life balance. It’s all about balance and support. To use an often-flogged cliché, my advice to other women on maintaining a successful career and an equally successful marriage is that ”it takes two”. Sometimes it even takes a village, but the important thing is taking turns to support each other and never assuming that one’s role is more important than the other. On the work front, it is critical to have the support of the organisation and colleagues.

  • Women lawyers, Lagos monarch join forces against right abuses

    The Ojora of Ijora Kingdom, King Abdul-Fatai Aremu Aromire has agreed to partner the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) to empower women, girl child, fight domestic violence and all forms of abuses to attain peace in the society.

    The agreement was sealed when members of the association led by the secretary, Mrs Phil Nneji, visited the monarch in Ijora as part of their activities for community outreach.

    Others in the team were Mrs Abimbola Badia Jack Oladugba, Mrs Aramide Keshinro and Mrs Adero Fadahunsi.

    King Aromire promised to pave the way for a forum where women in the community would interact with FIDA on issues affecting them and in particular, marital issues.

    He also promised to assist them to realise their objectives and goals of ensuring the protection of the women, children and the indigent in the community.

    Earlier, Nneji told the king that FIDA was very passionate about women and children and that this explained why they were seeking to protect and empower them.

    Nneji said in furtherance of the association’s objectives, its members carry out pro-bono services which involves free legal representation for indigent litigants.

    She said they also hold legal clinics where they listen to problems of the people and use Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to mediate and resolve such problems.

    “Because we have culture, we preach peace. We use the slogan, ‘Orange the World’. Through this platform, we preach peace all over the world. Starting from November 25, as decided by the United Nations, we have been preaching peace and against gender violence.

    “We reach out to community leaders like you, in their capacity as the King, for impact and for there to be peace in every community. Because there is so much poverty around, we have had to reach out to ensure peace at home”, Nneji said.

    She explained that the Child Rights Act was put in place by government to protect children and that the law was translated to so many languages for mothers to be able to read and create awareness in them.

    She lamented that so many things were happening which were unheard of in the past like “husbands killing wives, child defilement, rape, violence at home.

    “We have this culture of keeping quiet which has caused the death of many and this is why we are reaching out to people to break the culture of silence and ‘shout and speak out’ wherever they occur.”

    According to her, because unemployment is high, particularly amongst women, “FIDA carries out a lot of empowerment programmes. “We do this because we believe when you empower a woman, you have empowered the family and there would be less problems at home”, Nneji explained.

    Another member of the team, Mrs Abimbola, told the Ojora of Ijora Kingdom, Oba Aromire, that when they go out on community outreach and for impact, they invite women and children and educate them.

    “We create awareness in them and they open up to us and we take up their matter with the police up to the court and get the offender prosecuted”.

    Mrs Abimbola urged the monarch to create the opportunity for FIDA to move its legal clinic to Ijora Badia to speak with the women and their children, some of whom may be suffereing violations and defilements, while discouraging women to respect their husbands to ensure peace at home.

    Mrs Fadahunsi said not all cases are taken up to the court explaining that through mediation, a number of cases have been resolved and peace restored to most homes.

  • Women lawyers cheer up IDPs in Benue

    CREDITED with the kindest touch on humanity, it was just as well that a group of women professionals showed love to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Benue State.

    The state, among others in the Middle Belt, is the epicentre of attacks by suspected armed herdsmen who have sacked many communities, disrupted farming activities, destroyed the villages they conquered, and sent survivors into hundreds of IDP camps across the state.

    The state chapter of International Federation of Women Lawyers visited two camps located on the outskirts of Makurdi, the state capital.

    The state chairperson of the organisation, Mrs Margaret  Atu noted that their visit to the Abagana and Agan Primary School camps was intended to put a smile on the faces of the displaced people.

    She said, “FIDA came here to encourage the IDPs not to lose hope. It is unfortunate that they have found themselves here (camps). We believe that God shall arise in their situation. God will make a way so that they will go back home and continue with their normal activities.”

    Atu said FIDA will continue to pray until peace returns to the deserted communities.

    The state secretary of FIDA Mrs . Terfa Suswam commended Mrs. Onyeaka Mary, also a lawyer and FIDA member, for mobilising her clients to donate drugs for the health needs of the IDPs

    Mrs. Oyeaka was accompanied to the IDPs by the Managing Director of BellaDona Pharmacy Mr. Azegba MacDonald who provided the drugs that were donated to the IDPs.

    Special Adviser to the governor on MDGs,  Dr. Magdalene Dura, also a lawyer, on her part, provided sanitary bags containing towels, soaps and other toiletries to  FIDA for  onward presentation to the IDPs.

    The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA)’s camp official, James Iorkyaa, who received the women, including the zone 4, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, Hilda Harrison, thanked FIDA for their kind gestures.

    Iorkyaa also received the food and non-food items as well as drugs donated by the women. He said that about 20 and 30 families in the camp attempted to go back home but had to return to the camp for their safety.

    “Their homes are not yet safe for them to return to,” the camp commandant said.

    Items donated to the IDPs include cloths, maternity kits, beans, rice, noodles slippers, drugs and cooking ingredients like salt, and palm oil, among others.

  • Women lawyers to fight sexual violence

    Women lawyers in Bayelsa State, under the auspices of the International Federation of the Women Lawyers (FIDA), have pledged to fight domestic violence against women and children.

    The Yenegoa branch chairperson of FIDA, Dise Sheila, said this during a courtesy visit to the Managing Solicitor of TRIAX Solicitors, Moses Oruaze Dickson, who is the founder, Goldcoast Developmental Foundation, a non-profit organisation that supports low income women and children.

    The visit was to discuss a possible partnership and legal support with TRIAX Solicitors and Goldcoast Developmental Foundation in curbing the menace of sexual molestation of children, especially the girl-child in the Niger Delta region.

    Sheila said although there were laws to protect the rights and well-being of women and children from all forms of violence and abuse, many of the affected persons are not aware of their rights or do not have the resources to enforce them.

    The few, who know their rights, she said, are scared of stigmatisation and threats from the perpetrators.

    “It is for this reason that we seek partnership with a law firm with a track record for fighting for the vulnerable, especially women and children,” she said.

    Dickson expressed concern with the increasing cases of abuse against the female child and how the culture of silence was emboldening perpetrators.

    “It is even sad when the victims are from impoverished homes and cannot afford the legal fees to fight their assaulters.

    “We will do everything within our capacity to provide legal assistance to these victims,” he said.

    Dickson said Goldcoast Developmental Foundation will serve as a mediator in championing the project by working with the police to speed up investigation.

    The foundation, he said, will partner certified hospitals to speed up medical examinations of victims/survivors.

    Dickson added that they will prevail on the Chief Judge to set up a system that will speed up trial of such cases.

    The foundation, he said, would start a fundraising initiative to get a rehabilitation home for survivors to live in and start a new life, especially for the girls.

    “We will also work with FIDA through our law firm to provide pro bono legal services for victims of sex assault,” he said.

    Dickson said the  society must stand up against perpetrators of sexual violence, urging women and children to speak out anytime they are under any form of violence and domestic abuse.

  • ‘How women lawyers can succeed’

    Wife of Rivers State Governor Justice Eberechi Wike has advised women lawyers not to see themselves as inferior to their male counterparts.

    According to her, what a male lawyer can do, a female lawyer can do better.

    She said women lawyers ould succeed by being focused, and by working even harder.

    Justice Wike spoke at a session by the Women Forum of the African Bar Association (AFBA) at its just-concluded yearly conference in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

    Justice Wike advised women lawyers to choose their husbands carefully.

    Making the wrong choices about a partner, she said, could have repercussions on a women lawyer’s progress in the legal profession.

    Mrs Wike said women should continue to improve themselves academically and should not make excuses at the workplace.

    “Women must have a clear idea of where they’re going. No one should be static. Get more education and improve your capacity to earn more. Do something to improve yourself. Never stop learning. It is a continuous thing. You can learn by even listening to news.

    “Some women work not because of money but because they want to feel good about themselves and to improve the society in their own little ways. Women should invest. Don’t spend all your money on jewelry,” she said.

    According to Mrs Wike, women should not limit themselves. They should also choose their husbands carefully because “there are men who want you to depend on them”.

    She said every woman ought to be engaged because it would improve their self-respect and mental health.

    “Sitting down at home has a way of affecting you. A woman must have something she is doing. A woman must be careful the kind of woman she marries. If you marry a husband who wants a housewife, it will be difficult to actualise your dreams.

    “Always watch your husband’s temperament. Some men may feel insecure. Nobody is too big to suffer domestic violence. Parents should teach their children from childhood not to feel superior to their female siblings, like asking girls to go to the kitchen,” she said.

    Meanwhile, Also, Justice Elsie Johnson has urged women lawyers to enforce their right in court.

    She said they should “be quick” to litigate issues affecting women rather than complaining.

    “Take the matter to court. For instance, why would Nigeria sign treaties and not domesticate and enforce them? You can go to ECOWAS court and challenge them. You don’t even need to exhaust local remedy. Let us name and shame.

    “Take the mantle. Go to court and challenge the margina-lisation of women. You may not win, but someone somewhere could hear you. It’s also all about the politics of who hears the case,” Justice Johnson said.

    She urged women to choose career in which they have a passion for.

    “A lot of women don’t act like professional lawyers,” she said, and called for a change in their approach to work so that women can be reckoned with like their male counterparts.

    A Senior Advocate, Prof Ernest Ojukwu, urged women to take up leadership positions.

    He recalled that during his studies at the Nigerian Law School, no woman law student ran for the student representative council seat, despite urging them to do so.

  • Women lawyers take anti-sexual violence campaign to schools

    Women lawyers take anti-sexual violence campaign to schools

    The Child Rights Act 2003 and the Child Rights Law of Lagos State 2007 are in the best interest of children, the Chairperson, International  Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Nigeria), Lagos State  Branch, Mrs. Eliana Martins, has said.

    She spoke during an outreach programme at the Igando Community High School in Lagos as part of FIDA’s Law Week. The  theme was: Ending violence against children and access to justice.

    “Our laws in Nigeria are in the best interest of the child. They are also in conformity with international laws ratified by the government and domesticated in the laws of the country,” she said.

    According to her, the laws were put in place to protect children against all forms of abuse including sexual and domestic violence, defilement, rape, hawking among others.

    Martins urged the students report any sexual abuse rather than keeping quiet.

    She urged them to guard against those who might want to take advantage of their youth pointing out that under the law, they have the right to freedom of expression and to be protected from abuse, defilement, torture, to their privacy.

    The students, she said, have the right  not to share nor allow anybody to touch their body without their consent.

    She said uncles, male friends, brothers, friends of their brothers among others, have no right to tough a female’s body.

    The Chairperson led members of the association on a courtesy visit to the palace of the Onigando of Igando land, Oba Lasisi Gbadebo Gbadamosi and sought his support for the campaign being waged on putting an end to  violence against children, particularly girls.

    She educated the monarch on what constitute defilement, child abuse, rape among other sexual offences and how he could assist to curb the vicious trend and bring a change to the community.

    In turn, Oba Gbadamosi promised  to co-operate with FIDA and other agencies to end the scourge in his community.