Past Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Benin Branch, Ede Asenoguan congratulates the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA Nigeria on the occasion of its annual conference holding in Abuja.
“I felicitate with the leadership and entire members of the international Federation of Women Lawyers on its ongoing conference scheduled to hold from 24th to 29th 2021 in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja.
“The theme of the event, Addressing Gender-based Violence: New Tools is apt considering the fact that violence against women and girls is a global scourge and, unfortunately, still one of the most serious human rights violations in Nigeria.”
“Nigeria can rightfully claim notable progress achieved in recent years, including the adoption of comprehensive legislative framework and gender quotas, and strengthening institutions to enforce these laws, tackling some of the discriminatory social stereotypes, providing specialized services for victims/survivors and raising public awareness on the need to combat gender-based violence,” Asenoguan said.
He further stated that “Government authorities at all levels in Nigeria need to work to uphold the rights of women and girls in all areas of their lives, and to promote women’s economic and political participation and empowerment that are key factors to preventing gender-based violence against women. Nigeria needs to take concrete action to fully implement the Violence against Persons Prohibition Law. Effectively investigating and prosecuting incidents of violence against women and girls must be given high priority by the police and judicial institutions. Prevention strategies, which address the root causes of violence against women and girls need to be stepped up, including actions that engage men and boys to challenge harmful stereotypes. We all have crucial roles to play in ending gender-based violence against women and building a future in which everyone has a real and fair chance at success, safety and well-being.
“We stand ready to support the Government, FIDA and other partners in this vital work even as I commend FIDA’s age-long role in protecting, promoting and preserving the rights of women and children in Nigeria.
“I wish all distinguished attendees of the FIDA Conference fruitful and rewarding deliberations.”
