(L - R)Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Professor Modupe Adelabu, Chairperson of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Mrs. Rita Ilevare and the Secretary of FIDA, Mrs. Oyinade Olatunbosun during a courtesy visit of the group to the deputy governor in her office.
Women were yesterday charged to take issues affecting their folk and children with more seriousness by using their professional attainment and influence to shield the vulnerable in the society.
Ekiti State Deputy Governor Professor Modupe Adelabu, who gave the charge, specifically urged women with the wherewithal to ensure that women and children, particularly the girl-child, are liberated from all sorts of abuse and uncivilized cultural practices.
Prof Adelabu spoke in her Ado-Ekiti Office where she hosted officials of the Ekit State chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA).
She noted that the girl-child, being more susceptible to molestation and abuse than her male counterpart, needs more protection against physical harms and cultural practices that could jeopadise her future.
Describing the aims and objectives of FIDA and its activities as laudable, the deputy governor enjoined members to continue to use the legal profession and connections to promote, protect and preserve the rights of women and children.
Highlighting some of the steps already taken by the Governor Kayode Kayemi-led administration to stem child abuse and promote the rights of women and children, the deputy governor described the passage of the Child Right Bill and Gender Violence Bill into Laws, as a confirmation of government’s commitment to ensure gender based violence and child right abuse are completely eradicated.
She expressed the readiness of the state government to partner with FIDA and other relevant organisations in the war against child abuse and other forms of abuses in the state.
In her earlier address, the Chairperson of FIDA, Mrs. Rita Ilevare, described FIDA as a non-partisan organization, with the promotion and preservation of the rights of children and women as its main objective.
She said the association has offered legal supports to 27 indigent litigants, including 12 women and 13 children.
Mrs. Ilevare singled out a 15-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted and impregnated by her pastor as one of the beneficiaries.
She urged the state government to appoint more women as High Court Judges, pointing out that only one out the 11 judges in the state is a woman.
Last modified: August 1, 2013
