Female Lawyers Tasked On Women/Child Rights

Female lawyers in Rivers State have been called upon to use their status to protect the right, of the womenfolk and children through Pro Bono cases.

The call was made by a female lawyer, Mrs. Douye Green, at a capacity building workshop organised by International Federation of Female Lawyers, Nigeria (FIDA), Rivers State chapter in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Mrs. Green who spoke on the topic: “Ethics and Management of Pro Bono Cases” described Pro Bono Cases as voluntary legal services rendered free of change to society as a social responsibility.

She noted that such free legal services are supposed to be rendered with high ethical standards by experienced lawyers, especially to those who are underprivileged and marginalised in society.

Underscoring the vulnerability of women and children due to societal vices, the female lawyer asserted that Pro Bono cases aid in giving access to justice and enhance equality amongst the citizenry and enjoined the lawyers to see it as a duty to protect such people.  

Another lawyer, Barrister Daketima Gabriel speaking on the practical aspect of the new civil procedure rules in the Rivers State High Court observed that the new rules inject speed and promptness in the delivery of justice.

Barrister Gabriel charged the female lawyers to update themselves with the new procedure in order to meet current challenge in the practice.

In her paper on, “How to Develop the Next Generation of FIDANs”, Secretary to the groups, Barrister Ngozi Odukwe-Ighosarbe, charged members to see their profession as a contribution to society.

She asserted that female lawyers must show diligence and commitment in the discharge of their professional activities if they are to leave better legacy for younger colleagues.

Earlier on, chairperson of FIDA, Mrs. Florence Fiberesima, said the workshop was part of activities to upgrade the knowledge of members and at the same time instill the spirit of camaraderic amongst them.

Mrs. Fiberesima enjoined FIDA members to show zeal and commitment in the activities of the group, pointing out that no meaningful growth can take place without fellowship.