By Tina Amanda
As part of activities marking 2025 International Women’s Day, the Rivers State Chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for women’s rights and fighting against gender discrimination in Nigeria.
Speaking during an outreach program at Rumurolu Community market, Port Harcourt, Tamunoemi Jim-George, Chairperson of FIDA Rivers State, emphasized the need to support and uplift women who feel marginalized in society. She stated that the event aimed to instill confidence in women, show them love, and educate them on their rights.
“We came as an association to be identified with those people who think they do not matter. We want to boost their confidence, show them love, and make them realize that being a woman does not mean they are disabled.”
Jim-George stressed the persistent stereotypes against women, urging men to adopt a more inclusive mindset. She stressed that women are equal human beings who deserve the same rights and opportunities as men.
“We are not asking for too much. We want equality, the ability to exist in society without discrimination. Look at what is happening in the Senate.
“In this 21st century, a woman cannot even express herself and be heard. She is suspended simply because she is a woman. That is our problem,” she lamented.
She further stated that FIDA would continue to push for gender equality until every man recognizes that women deserve to live freely, express themselves, and contribute meaningfully to society.
FIDA Rivers also urged women not to suffer in silence or resort to drastic measures like suicide due to societal pressure.
“We have always pleaded with women not to die in silence. There is no need to commit suicide or see themselves as failures, women should speak up, seek help, nobody is worth dying for,” Jim-George emphasized.
A market trader, Nwokolo Tony, condemned the traditional practice of denying women inheritance rights, arguing that if women are expected to contribute to their families, they should also have a rightful share in their fathers’ inheritance.
“It is wrong to deny a female child her rights in a family. When there is a problem, she is expected to contribute, yet she is excluded from inheritance. If she can help solve family problems, why should she be denied her rightful share?” he questioned.
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He also called for laws ensuring children receive basic education and that women are engaged in meaningful employment rather than being relegated to domestic roles.
Another trader, Mary Okon, called for fair treatment of women in politics, urging an end to the abuse and discrimination women face in leadership positions.
“Women must not allow themselves to be abused or looked down upon. We need to stand up for our rights, both within our families and in society.”
FIDA Rivers reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for policies that promote gender equality, protect women from domestic violence, and ensure women’s voices are heard in political and social spheres.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with gender inequality, the organization vowed to keep pushing for change until women are recognized, respected, and treated fairly across all sectors of society.
As part of the outreach, FIDA Rivers extended support to widowed traders at Rumurolu Market by gifting them wrappers and other essential items.
The theme for this year IWD is: “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment”
