Female lawyers want repeal of law discriminating against women, children

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Abuja chapter, has called for an overhaul and repeal of laws which it said discriminate against women and girls. They said the best place to start the overhauling should be by repealing Section 29 (4)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, which states that “any woman […]

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Abuja chapter, has called for an overhaul and repeal of laws which it said discriminate against women and girls.

They said the best place to start the overhauling should be by repealing Section 29 (4)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, which states that “any woman who is married shall be deemed to be of full age.”

The chairperson of the branch, Barrister Rachael Adejo-Andrew, made the position of the women lawyers known at a press conference organised as part of activities to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism on the Elimination of all Forms of Gender Based Violence.

Adejo-Andrew also said there was need for accountability for crimes against women and girls by state actors and “we therefore urge all stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute all gender based violence by state agents.”

She said the lawyers also advocate for  quick proactive steps to be taken in the reform of the country’s criminal justice system to ensure speedy investigation and prosecution of offenders.

“The different states of the federation must fast track processes to adopt and implement the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, to ensure speedy dispensation of criminal trials,” she added.