As part of their activities in the International Children’s Day celebrations, International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA Nigeria, Abuja branch took its enlightenment campaign to Gwagwa community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
FIDA Abuja led by its Chair Maureen Chibuzor Nwosu and her Vice, Francisca Akaniro Opara educated its audience on the rights of their children to free, compulsory and universal primary education as enshrined in Section 15 of the Child Rights Act 2003.
Addressing palace officials and locals at outreach held at the Dagachin Zaudna Palace, FIDA Abuja Chair, also harped on rape and its damaging effect on a child while advising the parents not to condone or cover up cases of rape and incest on the basis of tradition and/or cultural beliefs,. Ms. Nwosu maintained that such acts should be reported to FIDA, NAPTIP, or the Police.
She urged members of the community to desist from acts that run foul of the VAPP Act, such as Spousal battery; forceful ejection from home; incest and harmful widowhood practices. It was also noted that cases bothering on the domestic front, can be brought to FIDA for mediation and reconciliation (where appropriate) free of charge.
The highlight of the visit saw the people ask questions on the applicability of the Child Rights Act in view of the free and compulsory primary education of children in the primary and junior secondary school; Rape and the Sustainability of a relationship with the community.
One of the women who was unaware of the said provision, asked why they are made to pay the sum of N3, 200 in School Fees for primary and junior secondary levels. In response, the Chairperson who asked to be sure whether the amount paid is actually school fees or for some other levy, said the provision in Section 15 of the Child Rights Act on the right to free education is very clear. She however promised to make further inquiry in this regard.
On the issue of rape and other sexual violence, raised by a male member of the community, the Chairperson stated that the VAPP Act was carefully drafted to address the issue of rape which not only protects women and girls but men as well.
Expressing appreciation on behalf of the Palace, Mr. Adamu Zakariah who is the Miagwa of the Palace, thanked FIDA for bringing educational development to the community pointing out that they have been kept in the dark prior to the visit,.
FIDA Abuja equally presented gift items to the community while also leaving copies of the VAPP Act, Child Rights Act and FIDA flyers with the Palace Chief.
Other members of the FIDA delegation include: Olosen Victoria Ibiezugbe (Publicity Secretary), Dooshima Abege (Assistant Publicity Secretary), Ifeoluwa Johnson (Welfare Secretary), June Idang Etim (Welfare Secretary Emerita), Uwamusi Ikhisemon-Oje Ezeonara and Naomi Abeji Kpenosen.
