FIDA: Silence Must Not Shield Abusers as Women, Widows and Children Face Discrimination

By Praise Chinecherem

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Anambra State Chapter, has called for collective action to protect vulnerable members of society from domestic violence, family disputes, inheritance-related abuses and discrimination against women and female children.

The call was made by the Chairperson of FIDA, Anambra State Chapter, Barrister Amara Muojeke, at the Film Academy Headquarters in Awka, where she stressed that abuse must be confronted regardless of the gender of the victim or perpetrator.

Muojeke cautioned against viewing domestic violence solely as a problem perpetrated by men, noting that women can also subject their husbands to physical and emotional abuse.

According to her, domestic violence should be treated as a serious social and legal issue without prejudice or gender bias.

She cited the case of a woman who allegedly became the breadwinner of her family after her husband’s business suffered setbacks and subsequently subjected him to physical and emotional maltreatment.

Muojeke also raised concerns over discriminatory inheritance practices, particularly cases where female children are allegedly denied their fathers’ property after their deaths because of their gender.

“Female children are equal members of their families and should not be discriminated against in matters of inheritance on the basis of gender,” she stressed.

She further highlighted the challenges faced by widows, who, according to her, are sometimes subjected to discrimination and denied access to properties belonging to their deceased husbands.

The FIDA chairperson urged members of the public not to remain silent when they witness domestic violence, discrimination or other forms of abuse, warning that silence could create an environment in which such practices continue unchecked.

She also drew attention to 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.

Muojeke called for greater public awareness of the unit and increased intervention in cases involving abuse and violence.

She emphasised that protecting vulnerable people requires more than the efforts of government agencies and legal organisations, stressing that families, communities and individuals all have a role to play.

The FIDA chairperson therefore urged stakeholders and the general public to unite in confronting abuse and discriminatory practices, insisting that collective action remains critical to building a society where women, children, widows and other vulnerable persons can live with dignity and equal protection under the law.

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