29/12/2023
The International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Nigeria in partnership with Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, CFLI, has called on all women to be part of decision-making in the country and worldwide.
This was revealed during a one-day capacity-building workshop for women groups in Yenagoa with the theme, ‘Policy Influencing and Advocacy’.
Speaking with Newsmen, Mrs. Amina Agbaji, National Country Vice-President, FIDA, Nigeria, represented by Mrs. Deme Deborah Pamoso, (Esq.) Chairperson, FIDA, Bayelsa State, said the purpose of the conference was to educate women on gender equality, bridge gender-based violence, and urge them to be part of the decision-making policy.
Mrs. Pamoso also noted that, the FIDA family collaborated with different NGOs, such as; Hundred Women Lobby Group, NCWS, DO Foundation, University Women Advocacy Group, amongst others, to achieve proper policy influence and advocacy on women and child rights.
According to her, she expects that, women would become better influencers in the policy-making process in the state after the training.
Also speaking, Mr. Fikih Obaro, National Program Manager, FIDA, Nigeria, explained that the workshop was to strengthen women’s groups on the ways and methodologies they can use to influence policies that could be gender-responsive, build an environment that is gender sensitive and help to protect the rights of women in terms of leadership, representation, viability, political participation and also occupy notable positions in public and private sectors in the country.
Mr. Obaro noted that women are being marginalized and subjugated, hence, the reason for the seminar.
He, however, advised that women should also introduce new advocacy measures for policy influence participation.
On her part, Ms. Emmanuella Ekpese, Coordinator, Ijaw Female Lawyers Association, Worldwide, and participant said, learning is never enough for one to move forward in life, noting that, the exposure and networking from the program is important for one.
