The event, abruptly cancelled following a public outcry and a lawsuit from the
Ministry of Women’s Affairs, casts a stark light on the grim realities facing
Nigerian women and girls in their pursuit of justice. Nigeria, a nation with a
rich tapestry of culture and tradition, finds itself entangled in a complex
legal web where women often struggle to assert their rights.
Despite laws prohibiting child marriage under the age of 18, enforcement
remains a murky endeavor.
This recent debacle underscores the systemic barriers that women in Nigeria
face daily. The World Bank highlights a troubling truth: gender disparities in
Nigeria are not just prevalent, but entrenched. Socio-cultural norms, economic
barriers, and discriminatory practices form an unholy trinity that impedes
women’s access to justice. In the treacherous waters of divorce, inheritance,
and spousal support, women find themselves particularly disadvantaged. The
legal system, often opaque and convoluted, exacerbates their plight.
The United Nations’ reports on violence against women in Nigeria paint a dire
picture. Survivors seeking justice are met with inadequate legislation,
societal stigma, and ineffective enforcement, creating a perfect storm of
obstacles. Enter FIDA Nigeria, a stalwart in the fight for women’s rights
since its inception in 1964 by the formidable Ambassador Aduke Alakija.
This non-profit, non-political organization is a bastion of legal empowerment
for women, offering a lifeline through its provision of free legal
representation for indigent women and children, dismantling economic barriers
to justice. The organization’s advocacy campaigns are relentless, pushing for
policy reforms and better legal frameworks, aiming to reshape the landscape
for women’s rights. One of the most insidious barriers is the lack of legal
literacy. UN Women’s research reveals a staggering deficit: only 30% of
Nigerian women have a rudimentary understanding of their legal rights.
Addressing this gap is critical for empowering women to navigate their legal
journeys.
Financial constraints are a harsh reality for many Nigerian women, often the
primary deterrent against seeking legal recourse. Over 60% of women cite these
constraints as the reason for not pursuing justice. FIDA Nigeria’s pro bono
services are not just beneficial; they are essential. The labyrinthine legal
system in Nigeria, plagued by delays and inefficiencies, compounds the
struggle.
The World Justice Project notes that the average legal case drags on for over
five years, a testament to the urgent need for judicial reforms to expedite
justice.
The pursuit of justice for Nigerian women is not a solitary endeavor but a
collective mission. Legal professionals, policymakers, and civil society
organizations must converge, uniting their efforts to dismantle systemic
barriers. Boosting legal literacy through comprehensive educational
initiatives and vigorous advocacy for reforms to create a more equitable legal
landscape are critical steps. Expanding free legal services to ensure justice
is accessible to all, regardless of economic status, is paramount.
Since 2021, FIDA Nigeria has provided free legal representation to over 5,000
indigent women and children, a testament to the transformative power of their
work. As the chorus of voices advocating for women’s rights grows louder, the
hope is that the labyrinth of legal hurdles will give way to a pathway of
justice. By breaking down these barriers and fostering an inclusive legal
environment, Nigeria can forge a future where every woman stands equal before
the law, unshackled by societal norms or economic constraints.
•Yvonne Momah Programme Coordinator / Partnership Manager Women Leadership
Institute
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