L
LequteMan
Guest
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Rivers through Mrs Florence Itamunoala, Chairperson of the Federation in the state, has appealed to traditional rulers in the state to assist it end discrimination against women and girl-child.
Itamunoala said FIDA had visited and spoken with traditional rulers in Port Harcourt City, Ikwerre, Emohua and Etche local government Areas on the need to end ‘’this gender discrimination’’.
She frowned at a situation where women and girls were discriminated against in most things in a modern dispensation.
Itamunoala decried a situation where a man’s extended family members scrambled for his property immediately he died and called for a review some of the state laws.
The lawyer said some of such laws include estate (property) and dehumanising and harmful traditional widowhood practises in the state.
She listed some of the practises to include compelling a widow to sleep with her husband’s corpse, staying in a filthy room and being prevented from taking her bath during the mourning period, among others.
The chairperson said FIDA had received 150 cases for mediation since June 2013 and noted that the cases hinged on family issues.
She said 30 of the 150 cases had been amicably resolved, while some were resolved to a level where the parties would ‘’not tear themselves’’
According to her, a day hardly passes without FIDA receiving a complaint at least.
Itamunoala said some of the federation’s challenges include logistics and finance.
Itamunoala said FIDA had visited and spoken with traditional rulers in Port Harcourt City, Ikwerre, Emohua and Etche local government Areas on the need to end ‘’this gender discrimination’’.
She frowned at a situation where women and girls were discriminated against in most things in a modern dispensation.
Itamunoala decried a situation where a man’s extended family members scrambled for his property immediately he died and called for a review some of the state laws.
The lawyer said some of such laws include estate (property) and dehumanising and harmful traditional widowhood practises in the state.
She listed some of the practises to include compelling a widow to sleep with her husband’s corpse, staying in a filthy room and being prevented from taking her bath during the mourning period, among others.
The chairperson said FIDA had received 150 cases for mediation since June 2013 and noted that the cases hinged on family issues.
She said 30 of the 150 cases had been amicably resolved, while some were resolved to a level where the parties would ‘’not tear themselves’’
According to her, a day hardly passes without FIDA receiving a complaint at least.
Itamunoala said some of the federation’s challenges include logistics and finance.
