Women Lawyers To Protect Women, Children In Akwa Ibom

The International Fed
eration of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Akwa Ibom State chapter has reiterated its commitment toward protecting the rights of indigent women and children in the state.
Briefing newsmen in Uyo last Friday, the state Chairperson of FIDA, Mrs Ema Udonsek said that the days when indigent women, particularly widows were subjected to inhuman treatment were over.
“We have resolved to fight for the rights of indigent women and children in order to give them a sense of belonging in the society,’’ she said.
The chairperson listed areas for the protection to include customary matters, inheritance, divorce, maternal health and defilement.
She expressed delight that the federation had been able to break the culture of silence among women.
“Before now, it was very difficult for a woman to stand up and say that she was raped or that her in laws want to disinherit her.
“But we have been able to break the jinx and women now turn up to report cases of violence and discrimination against them to the organisation.
“We also have been able to provide a place of succour for women who due to one problem or the other, found themselves homeless.
“We now have a place where we shelter and counsel them and we provide free services for the women,” she added.
Udonsak lauded Gov. Godswill Akpabio for assenting the Widowhood and Child Right Act into law.
The chairperson noted that the action had gone a long way toward protecting the fundamental rights of women and children in the state.
She also commended the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Umar Gwadabe for instituting a gender friendly desk at the state command headquarters.