On this International Women’s Day 2026, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Grand Bahama Chapter proudly celebrates the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Mrs. Jethlyn Aletha Burrows. A distinguished Counsel and Attorney-at-Law with over three decades of service, Mrs. Burrows rose to become the FIDA International President (2014–2017), where she championed gender equality and legal protections for women and girls on a global scale. Her lifelong commitment was recently honored at the 38th Triennial Convention in Cali, Colombia, where she received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Mrs. Burrows remains a powerful symbol of integrity, leadership, and courage, leaving behind a profound impact on the administration of justice and the empowerment of women worldwide
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.
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/
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.
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)
We already know the achievements of many Nations in terms of women’s rights. Much has been achieved and much has been done throughout the 21 st century, but it is a priority to reach places in the world where women’s rights are incipient, where we are compared to incapable beings who lack development and therefore there are legal acts that do not correspond to us because of our condition of being women.
The debate is far from over, consequently we cannot lower our weapons of words, actions, and even more from the exercise of the profession of jurists, to generate discussion and create the spaces that allow us to continue in the struggle to achieve the women’s rights in the world.
Thanks to all the women and men who have made their contribution to achieve the recognition of women’s rights, the mere fact that a single woman is denied a right generates the need to seek solutions and achieve its restoration.
Yes, it is a reason for celebration, but more to embrace the need to continue the fight.
CLIMATE CHANGE, DIGITIZATION – FINDING A FUTURE THAT WORKS FOR WOMEN
Parallel Event at the NGO CSW66 Forum to be held on March 25, 2022
FIDA will be hosting a Parallel Event at CSW66. The 66th session of the Commission on the Status of Women to be held on March 25, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. Eastern time (EST U.S. and Canada). Please click on the following link to register for the meeting.https://bit.ly/3M2M6cS
Registration for the FIDA Parallel Event at CSW66 is now open. Under the theme “CLIMATE CHANGE, DIGITIZATION – FINDING A FUTURE THAT WORKS FOR WOMEN” FIDA will once again bring together the global community that seeks to protect, promote and preserve the rights and interests of women and children in a groundbreaking conference that will help shape our increasingly driven world to find pathways to a secure future for women and children.
#CSW66 –CLIMATE CHANGE, DIGITIZATION – FINDING A FUTURE THAT WORKS FOR WOMEN
Other Parallel Events
FIDA North America is also hosting 2 Parallel Events
“INNOVATIONS IN GLOBALIZED WORKFORCE: WOMEN’S ROLES, RIGHTS AND THE LAW“ Description: A United Nations CSW66 Parallel Program (Event ID #12661) Date: 16 March 2022 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S. and Canada) Register Link: http://bit.ly/CSW12661
RURAL WOMEN & CLIMATE RESILIENCE: THE NEW LEGAL FRONTIERS Description: A United Nations CSW66 Parallel Program (Event ID #12664) Date: 21 March 2022 11:00 A.M. Eastern Standard Time (U.S. and Canada) Register Link:http://bit.ly/CSW12664
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (IFWL), in Spanish Federación Internacional de Abogadas (FIDA) Mourns the sad exit of her United Nations Representative , Dr Hauwa Shekarau. This is so incredibly sad.
We have lost a true warrior for women’s rights, indefatigable, vibrant, inspiring and very resourceful.
Hers was a life of impact. Our heartfelt prayers to her family and FIDA Nigeria May her soul rest in peace and may we all be comforted in the lives she impacted and footprints left in the sand of time.
Adieu A Great Fidan!
Carolina Ríos Villota Florence Adokiye Amiesimaka
FIDA MOURNS Exit of her UN REP
1.Sumalini Reddy A.💐🙏🏼💐 2.Yoghini Metta- Condolences 🙏🏻🙏🏻 3.S. K. Devi- 🙏🙏🙏Heart felt condolences! 4. Carmen- Cuanto lo siento..I recently Knowles, me comdolescens. 5. Bhavnagar Deviani- Very sad … condolences.. May her soul rest in peace. 6. Parliamentarian Shadhana- Deepest sympathies & heartfelt condolences to the family, friends of dear Hauwa & to all FiDA members around the world over the loss of such a valued & vibrant representative.RIP. 7. Petraeus M. Hadda- Adderley : Oh my! May her soul rest in peace.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻8. Seemandini INDIA- Kerala Our most respected sister HAUWA was all pervasive in the Last FlDA Virtual Convention No person who effectively participated or involved in the last Convention can ever foget her dynamic presentations in the convention. I still cherish her vital deliberations suggestions in the FIDA Executive Committee meetings May her soul rest in peace May God the Almighty shower on the members of the bereaved family enough courage to bear the loss. 9. Afolakemi Adubifa- Dear Hauwa, may your gentle and kind soul rest in perfect peace. May light perpetual shine on you. AMEN.🙏🏼🙏🏼 You were a very loyal friend indeed. Goodnight. 10. K. Santhakumari -Shocking News! I can’t even imagine that our dynamic Hauwa Shekarau is no more. I am really upset by Jethlyn’s message(obituary announcementforwarded by Jethlyn). May her soul rest in peace. 11. Redmika Dep: Oh what a sad news! May her soul Rest In Peace. My heart felt condolences for her family and loved ones. 😥12. Subhra Panda:May her soul rest in peace 🙏🙏 13. Kavitha Gupta: It’s a shocking news! Heartfelt condolences to her. From Gladys Mbuya of Cameron -My dear sister and friend, you were a star. Stars don’t shine from the earth. You have gone to heaven from where stars shine. Continue shining until we meet to part no more. God has you in his keeping; we have you in our hearts RIP. 13. From Cris McCurley- I remember her well from Bangalore too and her passion . Thoughts with her family -Devastated, Rest in peace and power dear Sister! 14. Silvana- So sad to hear about our dear Hauwa. May she rest in peace. 15. Indrayani Patani-So shocking . Sincere condolences. 16. Afua – Oh no. So sorry to hear. May she rest in peace. 17. Chen Wenchi- Condolences 18. Siraya- What a sad news! How incredible, but it happened. May she Rest In Peace and I pray for her family. 19. Sheila Anish- How can a person with so much energy, inspiring and strong minded disappear like that? Can any one please explain what happened? 20. Hadassah- Oh nooooo!!! This is so sad. She was so full of life. May she rest in peace.
