The International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Anambra State Chapter, has called for greater protection of men, women and children involved in family disputes, particularly victims of domestic violence, inheritance-related abuses and discrimination against female children and widows.
The Chairperson of FIDA, Anambra State Chapter, Barrister Amara Muojeke, made the call during the Special Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, ABS Chapel, held at the Film Academy, Headquarters, Awka.
Barrister Muojeke said domestic violence should not be regarded as a problem perpetrated only by men, noting that women can also subject their husbands to physical and emotional abuse.
She cited a case involving a woman who allegedly became the breadwinner of her family after her husband encountered difficulties in his business, but later subjected him to maltreatment.
The FIDA Chairperson stressed that domestic violence should be addressed without prejudice, irrespective of the gender of the victim or perpetrator.
On inheritance, Barrister Muojeke expressed concern over cases where female children are allegedly denied their fathers’ property following their deaths simply because they are girls.
She maintained that female children are equal members of their families and should not be discriminated against in matters of inheritance on the basis of gender.
Barrister Muojeke also drew attention to the plight of widows, who, she said, are sometimes subjected to discrimination and denied access to property belonging to their deceased husbands.
She urged members of the public to speak out against domestic violence, discrimination and other forms of abuse, warning that silence could allow such practices to persist.
Barrister Muojeke further highlighted the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, SGBV, Unit established by the Anambra State Government under the Ministry of Justice to strengthen intervention and response to gender-based violence.
She called for increased public awareness and responsible intervention in cases of abuse, stressing the need for collective action to protect vulnerable members of society.
