Anambra CJ, Others Honoured at FIDA Award Day, Speakers Urge Fight Against Gender-Based Violence

By Praise Chinecherem

International Federation of Women Lawyers, (FIDA) Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter has honored Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu for his contributions to the fight against gender inequality and inequity.

Anyachebelu was honoured alongside others who have contributed in various ways to advance FIDA’s mandate in the State during the 2025 FIDA Week and Award Day themed, “Unmasking the Pain: An Exploration of the causes and consequences of intimate partner violence among adults”.

Chief Judge appreciated the honour done to him, pledging continued support to the organization, which he noted has grown in strength over the year.

“I commend FIDA for advancing the rights of the vulnerable and the way it has grown in strength. I also thank your executives both past and present for steering the ship very well,” he added.

Earlier, Chairperson of FIDA, Amara Muojeke assured its undying commitment to fighting intimate partner violence anywhere in the state.

She also reassured FIDA’s steadfastness in addressing root causes and far-reaching effects of intimate partner violence.

“As an organization devoted to the protection of women and children, FIDA remains steadfast in addressing root causes and far-reaching effects of intimate partner violence.

“Today’s gathering offers us an important platform for dialogue, reflection and renewed action,” she posited.

Muojeke who congratulated the awardees for their contributions to justice, service and societal development, also commended the cooperation and dedication of their members to the association’s ideals.

Chairperson, FIDA Week Committee 2025, Dr Roseline Okolo described the event as more than a ceremony but platform for reflection, enlightenment and collective action on issue that had continued to shape lives, destinies and wellbeing of countless individuals in the society.

“This year’s theme calls us to look beyond the surface to confront the silent sufferings hidden beyond closed doors and acknowledge a reality that is often ignored, misunderstood or deliberately concealed,” she said.

In a keynote speech, Prof Meshach Umenweke of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka listed types of intimate partners’ violence to include physical, emotional, psychological, mental and economic violence.

He said, “Physical violence include beating, burning, pushing, kicking, punching, biting, slapping, maiming or killing, or the use of objects or weapons.

“There are so many rampant cases put up by the social media. There is one now that the prerogative of mercy gave pardon and is now very controversial.

“Sexual violence – any kind of homosexual contact, including sexual assault, rape, or any forced sexual activity. We now have spousal rape taking place within marriage.

“If she gave her consent and midway she withdraws it, anything you do after that consent is withdrawn is at your own risk.

“We also have emotional, psychological violence – the use of threats, intimidation to make someone feel worthless or afraid, or often to gain control.

“Then, economic violence – use of financial resources, employment, education to exert control over a person or persons.”

According to Umenweke, intimate partner violence is caused by many factors including socialization.

“This is majorly about witnessing or experiencing violence in childhood and exposure to patriarchal norms.

“When an individual learns that aggression is normal and acceptable, it may lead him or her to adopt the violence script through social learning.

“Also in a patriarchal system like Nigeria, the impression is the man is in control, the man is the captain. And you cannot have two captains in the boat,” he added.

He however noted that the narrative is gradually changing due to the interventions by FIDA and other organizations fight against Gender based violence.

“Thanks to what FIDA is doing, thanks to what other bodies are doing to enhance knowledge.

Umenweke among other things recommended training and retraining of judges, prosecutors, police and others who investigate and prosecute the matters on human rights-based approach to intimate partner violence.

Chairman of the occasion, Justice Jude Obiora, stressed the need for collective efforts to overcome factors fueling intimate partner violence such as: cultural silence, victim blaming, lack of shelters, inadequate enforcement victimization of victims and slow judicial processes.

He challenged the judiciary to ensure that justice is always done in every violence-related case. “This will boost people’s confidence in the judicial system and increase the tendency to seek justice.