As the rise in family disintegration continues with significant consequences, impacting negatively on individuals, communities, and societal well-being, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Nigeria, Abuja Branch) successfully carried out a sensitisation outreach to Gwarimpa Village, a community within the Federal Capital Territoey (FCT) as part of the commemoration of the International Day of Families.
The recent outreach, led by FIDA’s Chairperson, Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, aimed to raise awareness of the vital role families play in society and address key legal issues affecting women and children in Nigeria.
The delegation was warmly received by the Dakachin Gwarimpa, Alhaji Bayero Yakubu, and members of his community. The primary focus of the outreach was to emphasize the importance of the family unit as the first point of contact in nurturing values, morals, and social responsibility. Chairperson Onyenucheya-Uko spoke to the gathering about the challenges families face, including gender-based violence, child abuse and neglect, early and forced marriage, and discriminatory inheritance customs.
In her address, Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko highlighted the significance of the International Day of Families as a platform for advocating stronger protection of family rights, especially for women and children. She noted that these challenges have long-lasting consequences on the wellbeing of families and society at large.
The Chairperson stressed that the observance of the day presents a unique opportunity to strengthen advocacy around family-related legal rights issues. She emphasised that FIDA’s interventions, such as public sensitization campaigns, legal aid clinics, pro bono legal services, and capacity-building programs, play a crucial role in addressing these issues.
According to a statement signed by Chimdindu Onyedim-Etuwewe, Publicity Secretary of FIDA Nigeria, Abuja branch, Chioma also underscored the importance of legislative frameworks protecting family rights and urged the community to become more aware of their rights under Nigerian law, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and the Child Rights Act, among others.
She urged members of the community to utilise the VAPP Act, Child Rights Act and other related laws to protect themselves and their families.
In response, the Dakachin Gwarimpa, Alhaji Bayero Yakubu, expressed his appreciation for the outreach and affirmed the community’s readiness to collaborate with FIDA on future initiatives. He thanked FIDA for their invaluable efforts in empowering the community.
The women’s leader of the community, who also expressed profound gratitude to FIDA for the enlightening session, promised to take the knowledge gained back to her fellow villagers. She assured the delegation that the women would educate their families, especially their men, about their rights and the position of the law. The women also expressed their desire to form a closer relationship with FIDA, suggesting that Gwarimpa Village be adopted for future collaborations.
Onyedim-Etuwewe noted that, “FIDA’s outreach to Gwarimpa Village markes another successful step in its ongoing commitment to empowering women, children, and families in Nigeria.
“With the support of the community and its leaders, FIDA remains dedicated to advancing the protection of family rights and fostering a society where every family member is respected and valued.”
