The call for strengthening the enforcement mechanisms for existing gender equality laws took centre stage on Monday at the ongoing Law Week of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA Nigeria Abuja.
The theme of the Law Week is —A 2023 Reflection on Institutional Mechanisms for Advancing Women’s Right in Nigeria.
Listing a plethora of legal instruments that cover various aspects of women’s lives and the advancement of their rights in Nigeria, the event’s Keynote Speaker, child rights advocate, human trafficking expert and mental health specialist, Mrs. Imaobong ‘Ladipo-Sanusi pointed out that while these laws exist, challenges often arise in implementation and enforcement.
Ladipo-Sanusi, who is also the Executive Director, Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) expressed concern that: “In Nigeria, Women’s Rights appear to be protected. The country is a signatory to a number of international conventions and norms such as the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa. Yet this protection is mostly on paper.”
She however counselled that: “Continuous advocacy, public awareness, and collaboration among governmental and non-governmental entities are crucial for effective realization of women’s rights in Nigeria…
“I also make bold to say that no law is a silver bullet to solve all the problems. You have gotten a platform; the platform strong enough to address the problem. Whether you’re talking to your friends and family, or engaging with an advocacy organization, the most important way to be an advocate is speaking up. I have worked with a good number of your members concerning human trafficking, and I use this opportunity to salute their commitment and positive energy, deployed to the cause of the vulnerable in our society. But as a group, you can do more. You have the capacity, competence and resources to make your impact felt more especially on this issue bordering on women’s rights. By raising your voice for women’s rights and gender equality, you can spread awareness and break down barriers.
“You can also protect and promote women’s rights by supporting one another; share the workload; get involved; educate the next generation; stand on your right as you already know your rights; join the online conversation; direct and change the conversation where necessary; and give to the cause.”
