Treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association Women’s Forum, NBAWF, Safiya Iweyi Balarabe congratulates the International Federation of Women Lawyers(FIDA) Nigeria on its ongoing annual conference holding from 24th to 29th November, 2021, in Abuja.
“I heartily felicitate with the International Federation of Women Lawyers, Nigeria on the auspicious occasion of its annual conference. The event, themed Addressing Gender-based Violence: New Tools presupposes that we can all take a stand to prevent violence against women.
“All stakeholders must reaffirm their commitments to end violence against women by drawing the attention on the victim-blaming attitudes that marginalise and stigmatise the survivor and make it harder to come forward and report the abuse. There is currently a massive underreporting of all forms of violence against women that is not disputed in both developed and developing countries,” Balarabe emphasised.
“I commend FIDA Nigeria’s commitment to raising awareness on the obstacles and barriers that stand against women survivors of violence by encouraging the public opinion to support survivors of violence, domestic violence and, in particular, sexual abuse.
“For decades, FIDA Nigeria has been providing wholesome leadership, a collective voice, and essential resources to advance women in the legal profession and advocate for the equality of women under the law. The Association has been empowering women in the legal profession, cultivating a diverse membership dedicated to equality, mutual support, and collective success.
“Violence against women and girls, is the most pervasive form of human rights violations and prevents women and girls from reaching their full potential. It is an obstacle to women living dignified lives, free from fear.
“It is pertinent to recognise also that while women and girls are disproportionately affected, men and boys can also be victims/survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, and that factors such as age, disability, deprivation of liberty, displacement, among others, may increase the risk,
“It is our expectation that the FIDA Conference will help propel effective measures towards the elimination of gender-based violence and to prepare appropriate responses to the needs of potential victims/survivors before specific incidents arise, and noting that such action can be life-saving for victims/survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
“I wish all FIDANs a rewarding and fulfilling 2021 Conference,” she concluded.
