Women lawyers harp on effective implementation of ACJA, VAPP Act
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigeria has called on all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 (ACJA), The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 (VAPP). The organization said despite the enactment of these laws, they still observe challenges in the implementation of the laws and […]
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigeria has called on all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 (ACJA), The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 (VAPP).
The organization said despite the enactment of these laws, they still observe challenges in the implementation of the laws and in creating enabling structures to ensure the effective implementation of women’s rights.
Speaking at a press conference to mark this year’s International Women’s Day on Sunday, the National President of the organization, Rhoda Prevail Tyoden, said gender equality was not only a fundamental human right but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable society.
“We will achieve it when both women and men alike enjoy the same rights and opportunities across all sectors of society. Human rights are tools of dignity and equality and are to be enjoyed by all human beings at all times irrespective of sex, race, color, religion, or language,” she added.
She said despite great strides made towards attaining gender equality, there was ample evidence to show that much more needed to still be done in the aspect of living free from violence and discrimination; education; to own property; vote, and to earn a fair wage and enjoy political appointments.
“We remember with dismay the recent attacks on the character and invasion of privacy of the Hon. Justice Mary Odili, JSC because of a judgement delivered by a panel she headed and more recently the infringement of human rights and discrimination against the Hon. Justice Akon Ikpeme by her non-appointment as the substantive Chief Judge of Cross River State. These are successful women who have reached the pinnacle of their careers yet their basic rights are still denied or infringed upon,” Tyoden added.