Structure policies to protect female children’s rights – Imo FIDA urges government

By Adeleye Kunle

The Federation of Women Lawyers Association, FIDA, in Imo State has asked all tiers of government to restructure policies that would further provide appropriate protection for female children’s rights.

Imo FIDA also emphasized the significance of creating laws and regulations that would guarantee every girl unfettered access to high-quality, comprehensive education programs as well as health care services.

At an event to mark the 2022 International Day of the Girl-Child held on Tuesday, the organization, led by its Chairperson, Ndidi Anike, made the demands.

When discussing the significance of the day with the kids at Owerri City School, Anike said, “The urgent need to tackle the prevalence of domestic violence, underage marriage, inequality, among other types of girl-child maltreatment, cannot be overemphasized.”

In her words, “other stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and guardians should join hands with efforts to guarantee the safety, independence, and sufficient development of the girl-child in addition to expectations from the government.”

Dr. Chizo Okpara of Abia State University, the vice chairperson of the association, also addressed the issue of domestic violence and advised the students to speak out against any behaviour that jeopardizes their well-being, physical and psychological health.

She said the Imo FIDA was dedicated to helping women and children who are abuse and domestic violence victims obtain justice.

She declared that the organization would work with all of the state’s school administrations to make sure that any instances of unfair treatment of pupils were properly documented so that the offenders could be brought to justice.

The school’s principal, Mrs. Georgy Ahuaka, expressed her gratitude for the visit by the Imo Team, which also included Mrs. Chinyere Iwunna, Mrs. Nancy Nwabia, Mrs. Lilian Ugo Anyanwu, and Ogechi Nwadialo, and she vowed to continue to advocate for the overall wellbeing of the school community