The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria has called for stronger collaborative efforts to promote gender justice, equity and inclusive development across the country.
FIDA Country Vice-President and National President, Mrs Eliana Martins, made the call in Lagos on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC).
The theme of the year conference is: “Bridging Gaps, Building Future: Women’s Rights, Justice and Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”
Martins, in her welcome address, said that the need for decisive action on gender justice and inclusive governance had become more urgent.
She added that systemic discrimination and poor enforcement of protective laws continued to threaten vulnerable populations.
She commended the four Lagos branches of FIDA for their coordination and commitment to service.
According to her, their work has helped expand access to legal aid, advocacy and community support for women, children and persons with disabilities.
She highlighted the progress recorded in the past year, including achievements under the Ford Foundation-supported Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention Project.
She explained that the initiative had strengthened collaboration among traditional, religious and government leaders in Lagos, Ekiti and Plateau states.
Martins noted gains from the UN Women’s WPP project, saying it advanced women’s political inclusion through policy development, stakeholder engagement and securing over 135,000 public endorsements.
She added that in spite of these achievements, challenges such as gender-based violence and the weak implementation of protective laws—including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and the Child Rights Act—remained widespread.
“We urge agencies responsible for justice administration to act decisively because FIDA Nigeria will continue to work toward strengthening justice systems and community structures that safeguard the vulnerable.”
