FIDA NIGERIA CONGRATULATES COUNTRY VICE PRESIDENT/NATIONAL PRESIDENT ON HER APPOINTMENT AS COMMISSIONER

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria heartily congratulates our amiable Country Vice President/National President on her appointment as Honourable Commissioner for Social Welfare & Rehabilitation in Rivers State by His Excellency, Hon. Nyesom Wike.

As the pioneer Commissioner of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, you established impactful policies and programmes that became a springboard for the take-off of the Ministry in 2007. This legacy has distinguished you as one who is in the forefront of the fight for social justice in Nigeria.The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria heartily congratulate the winners of the  2018 Nobel Peace prize. These two distinguished laureates are   Dr. Denis Mukwege of Democraticc Republic of Congo and a Yazidi rape victim, Ms. Nadia Murad.

Both laureates have been recognized for their immense effort to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict. Dr Mukwege was recognised and awarded for having devoted most part of his adult life treating victims of sexual violence in his country. He has condemned the  impunity of mass rape and criticised the Congolese government and other  countries for not doing enough to stop  sexual violence against women.

On the other hand, Ms. Nadia Murad Taha  is a Iraqi Yazidi   human rights activist. She was kidnapped and held by ISIS army for 3 months where she was raped and tortured. Upon her escape she chose to speak openly about what she suffered as a victim of  Sexual Abuse and other abuses by the ISIS army. she  later became the face and voice of the campaign to free the Yazidi people from sexual violence and war crimes.

FIDA Nigeria recognizes  these prize winners as honourable and well deserved and salute the Committee for finding this effort worthy especially as it relates to our mandate of protecting and preserving the rights and well being of women and children ensuring that they live free from all forms of discrimination,  violence and abuse in the society. 

Both individuals are inspiration to many who are working towards bringing succour to victims of sexual violence in armed conflict.

At the centre of all efforts geared towards ending sexual violence against women in stigmatization . FIDA Nigeria is glad that Ms. Nadia Murad has broken the jinx as a witness, who shared the abuse perpetrated against herself and others to the world. This is a welcomed development that will help other victims speak out.

The contributions of the duo is highly commendable

FIDA Nigeria commends the Norwegian Nobel Committee for recognizing the efforts of these two noble social crusaders.