“No woman should have to negotiate for protection or wait endlessly for justice”. Driven by this conviction, FIDA Nigeria reaffirms its mission to use the law as a shield for the vulnerable and a voice for the unheard. As part of the ongoing movement for equity, the organization remains dedicated to dismantling the barriers of exclusion and discrimination that impact women and girls. Investing in women is not just a matter of rights; it is the essential engine to accelerate progress for the entire society.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls worldwide. In this official statement, FIDA’s Global President reflects on the themes “Give to Gain” and “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” emphasizing the vital role of legal empowerment, equal opportunities, and collective action in building a more just and inclusive world. We invite you to read the full message below.
December 3, 2025 FIDA Nigeria has officially launched the 2025 16 Days of Activism campaign, reaffirming its national commitment to ending violence against women and girls, with a particular focus on the rising forms of digital abuse.
During the opening ceremony, the National Vice President emphasized the persistent impact of gender-based violence and its profound implications for human rights. She noted that the digital environment has become a new frontline, where cyberbullying, impersonation, image-based abuse, and other online violations produce real psychological and social harm.
FIDA Nigeria reiterated the importance of strengthening the enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (2015) and the Cybercrimes Act (2015), ensuring that digital violations are effectively addressed under the law.
Across its branches, the organization will intensify awareness campaigns, legal assistance, digital safety education, and reporting guidance, with special attention to vulnerable groups.
FIDA Nigeria called on government institutions, technology platforms, civil society, and communities to assume collective responsibility in addressing both traditional and digital forms of violence. The 2025 campaign is now officially underway, encouraging nationwide engagement throughout the 16 days.
FIDA Cameroon outreach in a grassroot community called Tole Village in Cameroon. We enlengthened them on the meaning of digital violence , various forms of digital violence, it’s consequences, ways of preventing digital violence and the importance of ending violence against women and girls.
FIDA Grand Bahama was pleased to participate in a march organized by the Department of Social Services in recognition of the UN 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. We were proud to stand with our partners and community advocates to raise awareness and reaffirm our commitment to ending violence in all its forms.
On Day 12 of the 16 Days of Activism, we highlight the work of FIDA Ghana during its market outreach activity. The organization continues to provide free legal aid services to vulnerable individuals, including survivors of gender-based violence. This year, FIDA Ghana marks forty years of delivering essential legal services in the country.
FIDA Ghana offers key support, from mediation to court referrals, but it needs increased assistance to sustain and expand its work.
We invite the public to join in strengthening FIDA Ghana’s efforts and supporting those seeking justice. Donating, volunteering, or sharing this message makes a meaningful difference.
Together, let us help break the silence and contribute to a safer Ghana for all.
November 29, 2025 In response to FIDA International’s initiative to support the United Nations’ advocacy of “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls”, the International Federation of Women Lawyers ROC (Taiwan)) held a general meeting on November 29, 2025, calling on the society to confront this issue. We also propose four actions: 1. Promote Lawful and Responsible Digital Awareness; 2. Build a Safer Online Environment; 3. Advance Legal Reform and Policy Proposals; 4. Mobilize Advocacy Through Social Platforms.
The international Activism to End Gender-based Violence campaign runs annually for 16 days, from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25 to International Human Rights Day on December 10. For 2025, the United Nations has designated the theme “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls” with orange as the campaign’s symbolic color—representing hope and freedom from violence.
The safety of women and girls in digital spaces has become an increasingly pressing concern. Under the initiative of FIDA International, the International Federation of Women Lawyers – Republic of China (FIDA ROC (Taiwan) calls upon society to confront the reality that, while digital platforms have transformed our world, they have also enabled widespread misuse and abuse. Growing numbers of women and girls face online stalking, digital harassment, non-consensual sharing of images, and other forms of technology-facilitated violence. These acts violate human rights, inflict actual and lasting harm, and too often silence victims. Digital violence is not an isolated issue. It affects families, communities, and society as a whole; deepens inequalities; restricts participation; and obstructs progress toward gender justice. As part of this year’s advocacy efforts, FIDA ROC (Taiwan) urges all nations, all levels of government, institutions, and individuals to work together toward a culture grounded in empathy, respect, zero tolerance for online abuse, and strict accountability. We put forward the following actions:
1. Promote Lawful and Responsible Digital Awareness: Monitor cases of digital violence against women and address misconceptions in a timely manner. Foster positive digital understanding, assist women in building self-protection awareness, and incorporate these issues into our Association’s legal education initiatives. Strengthen society’s resolve to reject digital violence, counter victim-blaming stereotypes, and advocate for effective protective mechanisms and raise awareness of gender respect.
2. Build a Safer Online Environment: Call upon platform operators to assume responsibility by enforcing reporting mechanisms for unlawful conduct and to cooperate with society in creating an online environment that is peaceful, inclusive, diverse, friendly, fair, and just.
3. Advance Legal Reform and Policy Proposals: Organize or co-organize seminars on legal challenges involving digital violence, invite experts to deliver keynote presentations, and propose timely law amendments. Increase regulatory rigor, impose heightened legal liability, ensure perpetrators do not receive leniency, and reinforce counseling and support measures for women victims.
4. Mobilize Advocacy Through Social Platforms: Utilize various social media channels to promote the concept of “zero tolerance for digital violence,” deepen awareness through online communication tools, and strengthen public understanding of women’s rights and gender equality.
We invite you to explore the FIDA Taiwan Chapter, a space where legal advocacy, women’s leadership, and an unwavering commitment to human rights converge. Visit their official site: https://www.fida.org.tw/
As the world marks the commencement of the 2025 UN 16 days of activism, with the theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) seeks to draw attention to an urgent and growing concern for the safety of women and girls.
Digital platforms, while transformative, have also become spaces where abuse thrives. Women and girls are increasingly subjected to cyberstalking, online harassment, non-consensual image sharing, and other forms of technology-facilitated violence acts that inflict real and lasting harm, violate human rights, and silence voices. Digital violence does not exist in isolation. It affects families, communities, and society at large. It reinforces inequality, limits participation, and hinders progress toward gender justice.
As we mark this year’s campaign, FIDA calls on States, Governments, Institutions, and Individuals to commit to fostering a culture of empathy, respect, and zero tolerance for online abuse. Accountability is key. Therefore, all must take responsibility for preventing and addressing digital violence.
FIDA calls for positive action to prioritise digital literacy and amplify the voices of survivors. We demand laws, regulations, and policies that safeguard women and girls in online spaces. When technology is safe, inclusive, and equitable, it becomes a powerful tool for empowerment.
Together, let us all work towards a future where technology uplifts, protects, and advances the rights of women and girls. Let us UNiTE to end digital violence and build a world where every woman and girl can live with dignity and safety online and offline.
Every action counts!
Ezinwa Okoroafor Global President November 25th 2025
We honour the cherished memory of Beatrice Awura Oboshie Allua Fisher (May 3, 1933 – August 27, 2025), a beloved lifetime member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA).
Mrs Fisher dedicated herself wholeheartedly to FIDA, serving as a two-term FIDA UN Representative from 1988 to 1992 and always holding our association close to her heart. Her remarkable journey is reflected in her book, “A Tribute to Women Lawyers Worldwide – Honouring FIDA’s Global UN Impact,” which celebrates the achievements of women lawyers and continues to inspire our members. She leaves an enduring legacy of unwavering service and dedication to the cause of women and children.
We warmly invite all members to share their memories or reflections about Mrs Fisher, so we may collectively celebrate the inspiring legacy she leaves behind. Her spirit will continue to inspire us all, and she will always be fondly remembered.
With great sadness, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) announces the passing of Jethlyn Aletha Musgrove Burrows, her International Director and former President, on Wednesday the 1st of October, 2025.
Jethlyn of the Bahamas Chapter served as FIDA President from 2014 to 2017. She thereafter remained on the FIDA Executive as first, Parliamentarian, then Director, in line with FIDA’s Constitution. She was also a past President of FIDA Bahamas in addition to other principal roles she played. Jethlyn was greatly loved and will be sorely missed.
She will be laid to rest on Saturday the 18th of October after a funeral service at the Cathedral of Christ the King, in Freeport, Bahamas. We ask that you remember her family and friends in your prayers.
