The President of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA Nigeria), Caroline Ibharuneafe, and Immediate Past National General Secretary, Bibian Aloba, joined a historic gathering of female legal minds at the opening ceremony of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria Annual General Conference, which took place in Lagos, Nigeria.
The four-day event, described by organisers as one of the most consequential assemblies of women lawyers in recent years, convened delegates from all 46 FIDA branches nationwide.
The conference, themed “Bridging Gaps, Building Futures: Women’s Rights, Justice and Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” marks another milestone for an organisation that has been at the forefront of protecting women and children’s rights since its founding in 1964 by the late Ambassador Aduke Alakija.
In her goodwill message, AWLA Nigeria President Caroline Ibharuneafe commended FIDA for its “unwavering commitment to justice” and urged deeper collaboration between women-led legal organisations.
“At a time when Nigerian women face mounting threats—from digital harassment to systemic discrimination—our unity is our greatest strength,” Ibharuneafe said. “Women lawyers are not just advocates; we are builders of a fairer future.”
A gathering rooted in history and urgency
The opening ceremony was led by FIDA Nigeria’s Country Vice President, Eliana Martins, alongside senior officers, including the Deputy Country Vice President, National Secretary, Assistant National Secretary Nnena Ibokwe, National Treasurer Beatrice Awa, and Financial Secretary Philomena Nneji. Delegates from Abuja, Lagos, Epe, Ikorodu, and other branches stood together as the hall resonated with the National Anthem, the FIDA Anthem, and the Women’s Anthem—a symbolic display of solidarity and purpose.
But alongside the ceremony’s celebratory moments was a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigerian women. Day One opened with a sobering presentation on the rising tide of violence against women, revealing that over 2,700 cases were handled in the past year alone. These spanned domestic abuse, harmful traditional practices, sexual assault, and an alarming surge in online harassment targeting young women and girls.
Delegates described the figures as “troubling but unsurprising,” pointing to the urgent need for legal reforms, social protections, and coordinated multi-institutional action.
Women Lawyers Demand Justice and Reform
Throughout the morning sessions, speakers emphasised the central role of women lawyers in shaping Nigeria’s future, particularly in ensuring justice systems respond effectively and fairly to victims of abuse. Discussions also highlighted the crucial connection between gender equality, economic empowerment, and sustainable national development.
AWLA Nigeria President Ibharuneafe stressed that collaboration among women’s organisations is no longer optional. “If we are to bridge the gaps that hold Nigerian women back, our organisations must work not in parallel, but in partnership,” she said.
FIDA, now six decades into its mission, the charge remains steadfast: protect the defenceless, champion justice, and ensure that Nigeria’s women and children are never left behind.
