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.
On this International Day of Older Persons, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Worldwide) celebrates the invaluable contributions of older persons—particularly older women—whose lifetime of experience, knowledge, and resilience continues to enrich our societies.
Yet, around the world, many older persons face discrimination, neglect, and barriers to essential services and justice. FIDA Worldwide reaffirms its commitment to protecting their rights and dignity, urging governments and institutions to uphold strong legal and social frameworks that ensure equality, safety, and empowerment for all older persons.
We honour the wisdom, strength, and legacy of older women and advocate for a future where aging is embraced with respect, inclusion, and justice.
“The Girl I Am, the Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis”
On this International Day of the Girl Child, FIDA International celebrates the strength and leadership of girls worldwide and reaffirms its commitment to their rights to education, justice, and opportunity — so every girl can grow, lead, and thrive in freedom and safety.
On this International Day of the Girl Child, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) International celebrates the courage, leadership, and resilience of girls across the world — especially those rising from crisis to become agents of change in their communities. As a vanguard for the rights and empowerment of women and girls, FIDA International continues to champion equal access to education, justice, and opportunity. We recognize and honour the girls who, despite adversity, lead efforts for peace, equality, and a better future. We call upon all States to enact and enforce strong laws that protect and uplift girls — ensuring that every girl, everywhere, has the freedom, safety, and support to learn, lead, and soar. Empower Her. Educate Her. Protect Her Rights.
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most widespread human rights violations worldwide, disproportionately affecting women and girls. Despite global commitments such as the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, progress in eradicating GBV has been slow and inconsistent. Legal advocacy plays a crucial role in addressing GBV by driving systemic change, ensuring accountability, and empowering survivors to seek justice.
As an organization of women lawyers, FIDA is uniquely positioned to tackle this pressing issue. Through legal tools, advocacy strategies, and strategic partnerships, FIDA continues to lead efforts in combating GBV, striving to create safer and more equitable societies.
This parallel event will explore the role of legal advocacy in combating gender-based violence, highlighting successful strategies, ongoing challenges, and opportunities for improvement. The discussion will provide insights into how legal reforms, strategic litigation, and capacity-building efforts can contribute to eradicating GBV and achieving gender equality. This event aligns with the CSW69 theme by addressing violence against women and girls, a key area of concern outlined in the Beijing Declaration.
As we mark the 80th anniversary of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), we take pride in celebrating a remarkable journey of advocacy, empowerment, and transformation. Over the past eight decades, FIDA has been at the forefront of championing women’s rights worldwide, breaking barriers, and making significant strides in the legal field.
FIDA’s global impact is a testament to the dedication of countless women lawyers who have not only fought for their rights but have also achieved groundbreaking victories. Through relentless advocacy, they have dismantled barriers and paved the way for a more equitable legal landscape.
One of FIDA’s most notable accomplishments is its consultative status with UN Women, which underscores the organization’s pivotal role in shaping global policy and promoting gender equality. FIDA’s participation in the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) events each year provides a platform to address critical issues, share insights, and influence international agendas on women’s rights.
As we approach this milestone, we are excited to celebrate this special occasion at the FIDACON24 World Convention, scheduled to take place from November 4 to 8, 2024, in the vibrant city of Santiago de Cali. The convention will be held at the Hotel Dann Carlton and will feature a comprehensive academic program alongside a spectacular cultural agenda. We look forward to celebrating with you and continuing our mission to advance the rights of women and girls, ensuring a sustainable and just planet for future generations. Your participation is vital as we build on our legacy and embrace the future.
See you at FIDACON24! Cordially,
CAROLINA RÍOS VILLOTA International President International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA)
It is with great sorrow that we receive the news of the passing of the Founder of FIDA Cameroon chapter, the esteemed Lawyer Mrs. Miriam Ngunjo Shalo Weledji, affectionately remembered by many as Mami Weledji. In these difficult times, our hearts are with her family, friends, and colleagues, as we mourn the loss of an exceptional individual.
Mami Weledji was more than a prominent figure in the legal field; she was a true trailblazer whose legacy will shine forever. Her tireless dedication to the advocacy of women’s rights resonated not only in her beloved African continent but across the globe. As a mother, lawyer, and advocate, her impact was profound and enduring.
The void left by her departure will be deeply felt by all those who had the privilege of knowing her and being inspired by her life and contributions. May her memory endure as a source of inspiration and strength for us all, and may her legacy continue to guide us in the pursuit of justice and equality.
Today, on International Women’s Day, we commemorate the achievements made in the struggle for gender equality. Throughout the 21st century, we have witnessed significant advances in women’s rights across continents. However, there is still much to be done.
Despite progress, there are still places in the world where women’s rights are scarce or even non-existent. In some cases, we face inequality and discrimination, being compared to incapable beings who lack development. These types of attitudes and archaic legal systems remind us that 8M is not only a date, it is also a way to remember that many are no longer here, to continue building struggles but we will continue to build justice.
It is important to recognize and thank all the women and men who have contributed to this movement for equality. Every little effort adds up, and the simple fact of denying a right to a single woman should spur us to seek solutions and remind us of equal opportunity in justice.
Today we commemorate, but we also reaffirm our determination to continue the fight. While women are making inroads in various sectors to play key roles, ranging from research and development to management, barriers still exist in terms of access to job opportunities, equal pay and representation in leadership positions. As lawyers, we have a responsibility to generate discussions and create spaces that advance women’s rights around the world to achieve more equitable levels of participation.
FIDA urges the new generations of jurists to move forward with courage and solidarity. Together, we can build a more just and equal future for all women, where every woman has the freedom and respect she deserves.
FIDA Grand Bahama Chapter takes this opportunity to spotlight one of its founding members, a pillar in our Grand Bahama community, a woman who epitomizes the goals and objectives of FIDA and UN WOMEN, Mrs. Grace Ingrid Tynes.
Proudly sponsored by the IBA Acess to justice and Legal Aid Committee
Date: Thursday 9 March, 2023
Time: 09:00 EST / 1400 GMT
tinyurl.com/zoom-IBA-Access
By registering for this event you are agreeing to the IBA Privacy Policy at: https://www.ibanet.org/web-privacy-policy.aspx, which includes how you can object to any processing and set your preferences with regard to our communications.
