FIDA Seeks Investment of Time, Resources to Curb Violence against Women

Funmi Ogundare

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, yesterday, called for an investment of resources and time in fighting the scourge of violence against women and girls in the country.

The Country Vice, FIDA, Mrs. Amina Sauzana Agbaje, who made this call at FIDA Badagry Branch 2023 Law Week, in Lagos, expressed concern about  how women and girls are constantly abused sexually, harassed and deprived of healthy food and participation in development.

Speaking further at the event themed, “Empower a Woman, Empower a Girl Child, Empower the World,” she held that they must be empowered so as to change the narrative and battle against poverty.

Agbaje who was represented by the National Secretary, Mrs. Eliana Martins, explained that 35 per cent of women have experienced gender-based violence, economic inequality, discriminatory practices in employment, political exclusion, education disparity and culture related issues of patriarchy and religion, among others.

“Empowering women and girls is essential to the health and social development of families, communities and countries. When women are living safe, fulfilled and productive lives, they can reach their full potentials, contributing their skills to the workforce and can raise happier and healthier children who can equally contribute meaningfully to societal growth”, she stated.

In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Badagry Branch, Lady Adaku Mbama, stated that the Law Week coincides with the 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV) commemorated globally, noting the theme was apt.

She described an empowered woman as one with a sense of self-worth who has a right to determine and make good choices, access to opportunities and resources and control their own lives.

She regretted the many of the abuses women are subjected to saying that they tend to undermine their integral development.

Her words: “Even though it is incontestable that women are builders of the world’s nations and that the human capital of many nations cannot be complete unless the female population, a vital section of the economy, is harnessed.

“In our country, women are still seen as second class citizens, who should not rise unless they compromise their womanhood and lower their moral standard.”

The Keynote Speaker and Nigeria Gender Ambassador, International Bar Association, Mrs. Anthonia Akinlawon, SAN, who emphasized on the theme, stated that empowering girls from a young age sets the pace for them to grow, adding that the benefits also extends to families, communities and the entire world.

According to her, “Empowerment is a powerful tool for development. The opportunity of education that a girl should have is what should not be taken for granted because if you educate a girl, you educate a nation.”

She stressed the need for women not to pull themselves down saying that by empowering a woman, they will be able to control their resources, take up any challenge and also empower others that will lead to the development of communities.

She stressed the need for FIDA to set up a soft loan pool that would enable women start a business of their own adding, “Women empowerment is essential for a just and equitable society; and increased economic growth.”