ABUJA – The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has urged government at all levels to protect women’s rights to enable them participate in taking decisions that affect them.
The call was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by the National President of FIDA, Hauwa Shekarau, as part of activities to mark Women’s International Day.
The statement said discrimination against women had prevented them from contributing meaningfully to the development of the country.
“On the occasion of this year’s International Women`s Day, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria agrees with the United Nations that working for women’s rights, empowerment and gender equality means progress for all.
“It is this same conviction that ignited female lawyers in Nigeria in 1964 to come together under the platform of FIDA to invest in women and girls,“ the statement said.
It quoted the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban ki Moon as saying “all of us benefit when women and girls, your mothers, sisters, friends, and colleagues can reach their full potentials.’’
The statement said FIDA would hold activities in 32 states of the federation while a grand finale would be held in August to mark the association’s golden jubilee.
The International Women’s Day is marked on March 8 of every year to celebrate women’s achievements and create political and social awareness of women’s struggles worldwide.
This year’s celebration has as theme: “Equality for Women is Progress for All.’’ (NAN)
