Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has celebrated the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) in Rivers State, with a call to women, especially female lawyers to step up their game in their chosen career.
The Chairperson of FIDA in Rivers State, Mrs Adata Bio-Briggs made the call Friday, March 8, 2024 in Port Harcourt, while delivering her welcome address to mark this year’s IWD.
According to her, there is no difference between men and women, outside the fact that they are males and females. She said the 2024 IWD has afforded every woman the opportunity to excel in their chosen career. The FIDA Chairperson urged female lawyers to reaffirm their commitment in the legal profession.
In his goodwill message, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Chairman, Port Harcourt Branch, Sir Viktor Benibo commended FIDA for its consistency in organising programmes, urging them to sustain the tempo.
The NBA Chairman said he specially lauds FIDA for organising the 2024 international women’s day programme, which he said was to mentor younger lawyers. He noted that the programme called for support by all and sundry.
Speaking with the former chairperson of FIDA, Rivers State Chapter, Anthonia Nkem Osademe, she said, female lawyers, especially younger ones should seize the opportunity offered by this year’s International Women’s Day programme to be mentored. While agreeing that attendance to the programme was not encouraging, Osademe said what is important is that message has been sent and it will reach everybody.
She advised younger lawyers, especially females to sit up and work harder.
Also speaking, the Project Director Hagres Mentorship, Sotonye Kelechi Nwuzi lamented undue discrimination meted out on female lawyers by their male counterparts, who she said think that women are just for marriage and raising children. This, she said is erroneous, noting that female lawyers can actually compete in all spheres of life.
She tasked female lawyers to eschew from giving excuses and work out their schedules for maximum productivity.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the Chairman of Young Lawyers Forum, Dr Victor Enebeli congratulated FIDA, the organizers of the programme.
He pointed out that the programme will create avenue for young lawyers to learn.
The Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Inime Aguma said though women are learned, but they are faced with many barriers, notable among them are discrimination by the menfolks.
She said gender based violence is yet another challenge facing women lawyers in their work places.
The Commissioner said the productive right law is another problem, stressing that the law must be protected and adhered to.
Mrs Aguma said that these issues have made this year’s FIDA mentorship programme apt.
The 2024 international women’s day (IWD) with the theme as, ‘Count Her In, Carving A Niche In Legal Profession’, also featured panel discussion and question and answer session.
