FIDA calls for protection of the Boy Child in Rivers

Desmond Iwuchukwu

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) says it is committed to the protection of the boy child in the state.

FIDA made this disclosure during the celebration of the 2023 International Day of the Boy Child and the 35th Anniversary of FIDA in Rivers State.

The International Day of the Boy Child is a day set aside dedicated to the whole world to focus on boys and their wellbeing.

Chairperson of FIDA in Rivers State Adata Bio Briggs in a statement to mark the celebrations in Rivers State, called for the protection of the mental health of the boy child.

Briggs said that the group will embark on a sensitization programme to highlight the challenges facing the boy child in the state.

She also said that FIDA will continue to offer free legal services as they mark their 35 years anniversary in Rivers State.

The FIDA Chairperson in Rivers State noted that the group has been a voice for the voiceless in the state and pledged to continue to fight for the rights of women, girls, and boys in the state.

Briggs further asked women and girls to make good use of the various platforms set up by FIDA to address cases of domestic and sexual violence against women and girls.

“FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State branch actualizes its objectives through free legal representation for indigent women and children, through sensitization programs on the relevant laws in different communities, markets, and schools. The branch recently trained 100 Paralegals to help bring access to justice closer to the grassroots.”

“FIDA Rivers runs a free Legal Centre where counseling and mediation services are provided. At the center in the past year we have successfully reunited More than 50 families, and we have helped over 100 abused children get access to justice The branch has also published various simplified versions of the law such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, the Branch also published a book called Relevant Laws Beneficial to Women in Rivers State. Which is a compendium of all the laws beneficial to women in Rivers State.”

“As we turn 36 we are assured of doing even more and achieving greater heights than we have in the past 35 years. We are committed to seeing a just and equitable society, where the rights of women and children are preserved and where women are given the opportunity to achieve their dreams and live a life free from all forms of discrimination and abuse,” she said.