Assault
By Usman Aliyu
Ilorin, April 23, 2018 (NAN) The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Kwara Chapter, has said that the federation was prosecuting 20 different cases of domestic violence against women and children free of charge.
Mrs Salmat Mohammed, the chairperson of the federation disclosed this in Ilorin on Monday at the news briefing to herald the 2018 FIDA week in the state.
Mohammed said that the women lawyers’ association formed in the state in 1992 had helped to enhance and promote the welfare of women and children.
According to her, the FIDA renders free legal services to indigent women, widows and orphans so as to ensure social equity and justice.
The chairperson said that the theme of this year’s week-long event, is “Empowering Women: Building a Formidable Society.’’
She said that over 29 women would be empowered and provided with means of livelihood.
“The motive behind this is not unconnected with the situation FIDA Kwara found most women in the state and thought it wise and as part of her contributions in bringing sanity to the society.
“The empowerment which is supported by some of the senior members of the bar, well meaning philanthropists in the society, FIDA friends, matrons, patrons and FIDA members is to set up the indigent women and enable them start small scale businesses and support their families,” she said.
The leader of the women lawyers’ association explained that the federation had engaged the beneficiaries in different skills acquisition and vocational training programme with the aim of enhancing community development and proffer solutions to some of the endemic community challenges.
According to her, equipment for the various skills acquired by the various beneficiaries would be distributed to them on Thursday, which serves as their graduation day.
Mohammed said that the federation was also partnering with the National Council of Women Society (NCWS) to proffer solution to the menace of drug abuse in the state and as well as engage school children on career talks.
She acknowledged the support the federation received from the Ilorin Branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), senior members of the bar, some corporate bodies and individuals to ensure the success of the programme.
The chairperson solicited for a bus to easy movement of members and more financial commitment from the various bodies and individuals.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the week-long activities would end on Saturday with a sensitisation walk on rape and indecent assault, dinner, award night and launching of FIDA Kwara newsletter. (NAN)
AUO/FF/AFA
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Edited by Fela Fashoro/Felix Ajide