Pilot Law

FIDA Week: Empowering women, building a formidable society

 

By Kayode Adeoti

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Kwara state branch has succeeded over the years in impacting positively on the lives of women and children whose fundamental human right are been infringed upon.

To some women in the society, FIDA has helped them to restore their broken homes through litigations and some other moral methods which are permissible by society.

Sequel to the moral decadence in the society that has drastically promoted battering and maltreatment, the advocacy by this association of women lawyers against the menace has saved many souls who were caught in the web. To this end, FIDA has been able to instil fear of jail term in the heart of some men who have turned their wives into punch bag, parents and guardians who indulge their wards especially, female children in illicit acts.

As a way of defending the indigents who are being maltreated in one way or the other, the association has legal aids committee that file cases in court for these set of people.

In furtherance of this advocacy against societal depraving act, FIDA began its week on 22nd April, (Tuesday) with the theme: Empowering Women: Building a formidable society.

The programme is expected to wind up with; sensitisation walk on rape and indecent assault on women and a dinner/award presentation ceremony all on Saturday, 28th April at the bar centre, Ilorin.

The Special Guest of Honour, Kwara State First Lady, Deaconess Omolewa Ahmed who declared the meeting opened, reiterated on the role of women in building society.

Omolewa who was represented by wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Hajia Kuburat Gold, maintained that a female child must be given sound education in order to partake in shaping the society through a political will.

“I consider it imperative to mention at this junction that FIDA Kwara is a source of pride to us. We appreciate your tripartite and positive roles in the society. First as mothers keeping the home front safe for a healthy society. Secondly, as professional lawyers making waves in the profession. And thirdly, for championing the cause of girl child and the womenfolk in general for a stable and virile society.

“… The training of the girl child is a must do. The patronage of women in political and bureaucratic offices is a task that must be done. I therefore call on the government to continue to take positive steps in this regard to empower the women to play their roles adequately in the society,” she stressed.

In the same vein, the Chief Judge (CJ) of the state, Justice Kawu Sulyman Durosinloun who was represented by his learned brother, Justice Hannah Ajayi corroborated the submission of the first lady even as she described FIDA as women of the time who understand the basis of educating a girl child

She said, “CJ takes FIDA as important, for their roles in educating girl child, he calls FIDA women of time,” she quoted.

The keynote speaker, who is the presiding Judge of the Federal High Court, Kwara State branch, Honourable N. I Afolabi in her address kicked against the old notion that educating a female child is tantamount to a waste of resources.

She said parents should endeavour to train the female child up to higher institution.

“Women empowerment simply means equipping women folk to be strong, self sufficient, reliance and relevant to themselves and the society. Families both nuclear and extended have a role to play in women empowerment. When husband begin to see that women are empowered, it gives them positive drive.

“…It is a fact, up to the present day, there is an high rate of illiteracy in our society. This is easily traceable to several cultural factors which include, stereotyping of female gender, child marriages, lack of finance and the mindset that women will soon be married out and as such, any money spent on their education is wasted. When there are male children in the family, their education is given priority, while the female ones are brought up to cook and clean…

“Female being brought up in this mentality, lack the mindset to get involve in politics. They however believed that they have little or nothing to contribute to the wellbeing of the society,” she stressed.

The jurist further posited that an empowered woman is a formidable force capable of turning the society around for the better. She emphasised that the significant roles the likes of Flora Nwapa, mother of modern Africa literature and Margret Ekpo, a Nigeria human right activist have played in the society are eye openers for many women.

Also speaking at the event is the immediate past Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Ayinke Saka, who pledged on behalf of her Non Governmental Organisation unflinching support for the legal association.

She maintained that women must be involved in all spheres of life rather than been relegated to the kitchen.

In her words, “Women should be part of decision making, they should be allowed to be heard and seen because they are mothers of the nation. The state government has done so much for the women and their effort is commendable,” she added.

The FIDA chairperson, Hajia Salmat Iyabo Muhammad however stated that the organisation through the help of its members, senior colleagues, matron and patron will be empowering indigent women on small scale business.

“For centuries women have been living under bondage that restricted them from achieving professionalism in their pursuit… To restore their rightful dignified status, FIDA Kwara initiated women empowerment programmes that provide a solid foundation to nurture the inner strength, creativity and self esteem of women from all walks of life,” she stressed.

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