OUR ACTIVITIES

 

Activities of Women Law and Development Centre Nigeria (WLDCN)

Since the incorporation of WLDCN in 1995, it has carried out activities in various areas in line with her stated mission and vision which is the total empowerment of women and girls to be agents of change on their own behalf. This was to be achieved through training, public enlightenment, research and advocacy to enhance the development and status of women in Nigeria. Brief summary of some the projects carried out by WLDCN over the years are as follows:

  1. Taking the Beijing to the Grassroots & Democratization of the Gains of Beijing sponsored by Canada Fund for Civil Society of the Canadian High Commission & Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Lagos. –  1995
  2. Women and Housing in Nigeria sponsored by the Ministry of Works and Housing- 1995
  3. Women and Taxation sponsored by Friedrich Ebert Foundation-1995
  4. Violence Against Women in Nigeria funded by Friedrich Ebert Foundation- 1996
  5. Women ‘s Agenda and Vision 2010 –  1997
  6. Women sensitisation on Corruption in Governance -1998
  7. Democracy and Governance -1998
  8. Internal Democracy Building Capacity of NGOs funded by JHU/CCP -1999
  9. Role of Men in Actualising Women’s Rights funded by Friedrich Ebert Foundation – 1999
  10. Curriculum on Human Rights and the Rule of Law funded by USAID/JHU-CCP – 1999
  11. An Award for the Best Police Officer for best practice in the application of rule of law and Human Rights. Programme supported by the Inspector General of Police – 1999
  12. Good Governance Training for National and States Assembly in the South West supported by USAID/OTI – 1999
  13. Good Governance Training for Local Government Chairmen and Councillors in South West funded by USIAD/OTI – 1999
  14. Female Parliamentarian training on Skill Lobbying funded by Friedrich Ebert Foundation – 1999
  15. Civic Education and Good Governance for Grassroots Women Leaders in Lagos State – 2000
  16. Trainers Workshops on Conflict Management and Resolution funded by USAID/OTI – 2000
  17. Female  Parliamentarian Caucus Workshop on Poverty Alleviation supported by Friedrich Ebert Foundation – 2000
  18. Female Parliamentarian Caucus Workshop on Engendering the Budget supported by Friedrich Ebert Foundation – 2000
  19. Female Parliamentarian Caucus Workshop on Constitutional Reforms supported by Friedrich Ebert Foundation – 2000
  20. Formation of COGWA(A collaborate Network with the Grassroots, NGOs and CBOs)- 2001
  21. Formation of NADEV/CDPN (National Democratic Equality Vanguard)-2001
  22. Access to Justice Workshop for Women in NGOs across the Six Geopolitical Zones of Nigeria sponsored by National Centre for State Courts – 2002
  23. Building the Constitutionalism through the Grassroots working with 5 NGOs in the 5Geopolitical Zones of Nigeria sponsored by PAS/USIS -2002
  24. Legal Reform Advocacy and Mentoring Partners Advocacy to advocate for Legal Reform on Anti-Gender Law sponsored by JHU/CCP – 2002
  25. Civic Education with Market Women as part of effort to sustain democratic transition process supported by UNDP/TMG – 2002/2003

 

Other  activities WLDCN has carried out since 2005. (Projects/Programs).

MARCH 2005

WLDCN collaborated with British Council Nigeria to conduct a 5 day Training program for 20 Civil Society Organizations members that are in partnership with them on Gender Mainstreaming. The training sessions were held in WLDCN premises.

December 2005

WLDCN sponsored by the Nigerian Breweries Plc designed a radio drama series focused against stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS. The program objective was to Improve Knowledge on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and other Infectious Diseases through Effective Communication with Rural Populace especially Youths and Women Illiterates. At least 21 of the 39 Episodes, translated into Pidgin, Yoruba and Hausa languages were aired on the Voice of Nigeria Radio in the 2nd quarter of the year.

October 2006

A 1day forum titled ‘Maggi Women Forum’ was organized by WLDCN. This forum was designed to equip women with skills to maximize meager resources and also to provide nutrients and adequate meals for everyone. The Forum attended by over 400    women was sponsored by Nestles Nigeria Plc (makers of MAGGI).


Late Prof. Jadesola Akande and participants at the Workshop                                 Ex. Director, WLDCN Dr. Keziah Awosika making a speech at the workshop

 

  1. 2006

WLDCN supported by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) organized a 1 day training to enhance the capacity of women both at the professional and community levels to actively participate in the electoral processes and governance. The program  titled ‘Increasing the participation of professional and grassroots women in the forthcoming 2007 Elections in Nigeria’ was aimed at bridging the apparent communication gap which had been a limiting factor for more women participation in politics.

Group pictures featuring Late Prof. Jadesola Akande                                                           Dr. Keziah Awosika addressing the participants at the training

February 2007      

To mark the 10th year anniversary of the founding of WLDCN (actually registered in 1995) WLDCN on 15th February 2007, organized an AWARD Ceremony with the theme “Engaging Men and Boys in Actualizing the Rights of Women and Girls. Altogether,10 men and 2 boys were selected for their outstanding contributions to actualizing the rights of women and girls particularly, by increasing the number of women in policy and decision-making bodies. It was essentially a fund raising event for the sustenance of WLDCN and was supported by various private sector organizations, individuals and friends of the Centre. The venue, the Imperial Hall Otunba Jobi Fele Avenue, Alausa was donated by late Otunba Jobi Fele.

An award presented to Ibrahim Adamu (the SS2 student Senate Leader         Late Prof.  Jadesola Akande presenting an award to Prof. Akinkugbe

National Youth Parliament Abuja) by Prof. Akinkugbe 

 Dr. Keziah Awosika awarding  Ms Asmau Joda representing                   Dr. Ade Odiakosa giving award to Mrs. Ada Agina-Ude representing HRH

her father, Alhaji Ahmed Joda CFR.                                                         Igwe Ralph Eze

 

Oct 2007

In order to appreciate Teachers efforts towards their students and to mark the International Teachers Day (5th October), WLDCN in collaboration with Forum for African Women Educationalists Nigeria (FAWEN), organised a program bringing together teachers and pupils from schools spread across the 20 local government areas of Lagos State, The program assembled about 1000 pupils at a Rally/march past on LTV grounds , Alausa Ikeja. Tagged ‘THANK YOU TEACHERS’, The Lagos State governor ably represented by his special Adviser on Education took the march past of schools and presented special award certificates to role model teachers identified in the various schools. The program was co- sponsored by MTN Foundation and Cadbury Nigeria Plc.

  1. 2007

As part of its Community Outreach program, WLDCN organized sensitization rallies on violence against women in collaboration with  3 rural local government areas of Lagos State, namely, Epe, Badagry and Ikorodu. Community leaders and other stakeholders including the police, health workers, secondary school pupils and market traders actively participated. The communities identified cases of Child dumping, Rape and Child abuse arising from poverty and unemployment as most common form of violence in these areas. Government at all levels were urged to formulate policies to reduce rural poverty though improvement of infrastructures including education and employment opportunities for the rural populace.

 

Hon Abike Dabiri led her Constituency members to the Rally at Ikorodu LGA  .

The Chairman of Badagry LGA giving a welcome address to the   participants at the enlightenment program

 

 

Dr. Keziah Awosika & Late Prof. Jadesola Akande addressing the participants in Epe LGA    

  1. 2008

WLDCN in collaboration with Gender & Constitution Reform Network (GECORN) held a 1 day Interactive Forum on Gender and the Constitution to mark the Posthumous   Birthday of late Prof.  Jadesola Akande (OFR) the founding Executive Director who died on 29th April 2008. The event which held at Adeyemi Bero Hall, Alausa afforded the opportunity to formally present the published ‘Gender Audit of the Nigeria 2007 General Elections’. The comprehensive audit was compiled by the Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) and was dedicated to the memory of Prof Jadesola Akande, a great fighter of women’s course.

 

Mrs. Ketefe presenting the book                                 Comrade Ayo Adewale & other participants during the book launch to mark the anniversary

Feb 2010

The Women Law and Development Centre Nigeria (WLDCN), organized the 2nd Annual Prof. Jadesola Akande, OFR Post Humus Birthday Forum held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium Alausa Ikeja-lagos on the 4th of February 2010; Supported by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) and Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation (WAPA). Participants at the forum comprised Leaders and members of NGOs in Gender and Women’s Rights & Politics, International Development Partners, Lagos state Government officials including the Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Hon. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Grass Root matters, Hon. Omotayo Oduntan, the Executive Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin LGA Hon Ayo Adewale amongst others, Heads of Market of Women Associations, renowned private legal practitioners, Media groups (print & electronic).

The theme on: Promoting women’s participation in politics and governance in Nigeria- strategizing for 2011 election.

Prof. Atsenuwa, Hon. Oduntan, Mrs Ketefe, Dr. Awosika                                        Late Professor Jadesola Akande OFR

& Barr. Adedayo Debo-Akande                                                                                     Executive Director, WLDCN (1940-2008)

June-July 2010                                                                                                                                                                

In order to build the capacity of women, to empower them to be agents of their own, WLDCN in collaboration with UNIFEM paid Advocacy Visits to some key stakeholders and opinion leaders on working toward sustaining increase in women’s participation in democracy and governance in Nigeria.

Visit to the women’s wing of Christian Association of Nig.(WOWICAN)

Advocacy visit to the Deputy Governor, Princess Sarah Sosan  (2007-2011)

 Visit to the Min. of Women Affairs (WAPA)

Visit to Nig. Inst. Public Relations(NIPR)

WLDCN with support from UNIFEM organized a one-day workshop title ‘More Women participation in Democratic Governance in Lagos State come 2011 General Election at the Etal Hotel, Oregun.

Prof. Ayo Astenuwa making a presentation at the training workshop

 

Oct 2010.

In Oct 2010, WLDCN participated in the National Gender Policy Program organized by Centre for Human Development. The Executive Director of WLDCN gave a paper presentation on National Gender Policy– the Historical Antecedent

April 2012.

A 4 day training program was organized by WLDCN on behalf of AAWORD at the CLEEN Foundation Conference Centre on the African Youth Training on Feminist Research Methodology and Economic Justice.

The Youth Training on Gender and Economic Justice was the 2nd in the series of a 3 year Project planned for young African Researchers who are between the ages 20 and 40. The first Training Session in Nigeria was held in Ibadan, July 2011. The project was supported by Oxfam-Novib through AAWORD/AFARD. The objectives of the training are to strengthen the skills and abilities of young researchers and activist, train researchers and activist in action oriented research methodology and economic analysis and also develop a database of young researchers to ensure quality research, data collection, lobbying and advocacy skills.

  1. Director of WLDCN, Dr. Keziah Awosika and the participants at the workshop

 

Dec 2012

WLDCN participated in Two day dissemination workshop organized by AAWORD on Migration and Development in West Africa (Nigeria Case Study), it was held at the Aquatic Hotel, Toyin Street Ikeja. The objective was to disseminate the major findings of a nationwide research on female migrants in Nigeria. Similar study was carried out in Senegal (representing Francophone West Africa). Findings of both studies were subjected to serious validation by major stakeholders at a workshop convened by AAWORD/AFARD in Dakar Senegal in September.

The overall goal of the study was to investigate the profile, rights protection and challenges of female migrants in Nigeria with a view to generating reliable information that can guide policy advocacy.

It was also to facilitate increased support for female migrants while building the capacity of migration focused NGOs to engage in evidence based advocacy.

The project was funded by the ECOWAS (Migration) Fund through AAWARD/AFARD Senegal.

Group pictures taken during the program

 

  1. 2013

WLDCN organised a 1 day Pre- UNCSW57th/ Consultative workshop for participation of Nigeria CSOs/CBOs on ’Elimination and Prevention of all Forms of Violence Against Women and Girls. The Workshop which held at the Women Development Centre (WDC),  Pen Cinema, Agege and was supported by UN Women/Association of African Women  for Research and Development(AAWORD).

Executive Director WLDCN making a presentation at the workshop.    Mrs. Lialia Mathews Daniel, Barr. Supo Ojo, Mrs. Sade Ogunnaike & Dr. K. Awoiska.   

Participants at the workshop

March 2013

At the UNCSW57th Session which took place in New York, USA (March 7-21, 2013). WLDCN participated in side events organized by AAWORD/AFARD, sponsored by UN Women, on the theme, Violence Against Women and Girls in which African groups and other NGOs from various parts of the World attended. Presentations were made on the Nigerian situation by Dr Keziah Awosika and Josephine Chukwuma, the Executive Director, Project Alert Nigeria while the Lagos State experience was highlighted by the State Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Mrs.  Adejoke Orelope- Adefulire at meetings held in the UN Church Centre and in the Uganda UN High Commission, Uganda House, New York.  The meetings validated the Statement of African Women on the issue of VAW submitted to the main UN Inter- Ministerial Commission on the Status of Women.

At another Side Event jointly organized by the Women Advocate for Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC),Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, and WLDCN at the UN Church Center. Various aspects of violence against women and girls across Nigeria were presented and analysed in terms of causes, intervention efforts and observed impacts. Lagos State documentary presentation was quite impressive as it shows the positive impact of the interventions particularly the establishment of ‘shelter for battered women’ (the first of its kind in Nigeria) and introduction of the ‘yellow card’ for parent/guardians of out of school or abused children. An Award Plaque for Best practice in combating VAW was presented to Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs represented by the Deputy Governor and the 1st lady of the State, Dame Abimbola Fashola.

 

Feb 2014

WLDCN with the support of UNWomen/AAWORD organized a 1 day post – UNCSW57th Dissemination workshop on the Elimination and Prevention on All forms of Violence against Women and Girls at the Blue Ribbon Hotel, Allen Avenue, Ikeja. The workshop was essentially to report the Outcome and Agreed Conclusions of the 57th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women and to prepare CSOs/CBOs for the 58th Session with the theme Challenges and Achievements in implementing the Millennium Development Goals for women and girls.

Participants interacting at the training workshop

October 2014

The Women Law and Development Centre Nigeria (WLDCN) in collaboration with the Innovative Strategy for Human Development (ISHD), both non-governmental organizations members of the Lagos State Gender Advocacy Team(LASGAT), organised a 1day public enlightenment program on domestic violence in Onigbongbo LCDA. This is part of the LASGAT’s Week of Action on Domestic Violence in Lagos State. LASGAT is an advocacy platform of Lagos State Civil Society Partnership (LASCOP),

The theme is ‘Domestic Violence is a Crime -STOP IT!’

The main objective is to create awareness and provide information that will assist victims and the general public on how to curb the incidence of domestic violence in Lagos State. The programme held from 13th-17th October 2014. The Onigbongbo event was held on Wednesday 15th of October 2014.

The event commenced at Onigbongbo LCDA premises, where it met with representatives of civil society organizations, the Council management and staff, supervisory counsellor WAPA, volunteers and HRH Oba Nurudeen Yusuf of Onigbongbo. The motorcade was flagged off by a welcome address by Mr. A. A. Adegbite, the HRO of the LCDA representing the executive Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Oke.

Flagging off the campaign HRM Oba Nurudeen Yusuf of Onigbongbo, the LDCA HRO (rep. the Executive Chairman), Executive Director WLDCN & Staffs and the LASGAT members.

 

Executive Director WLDCN, Dr. Keziah Awosika, Staffs,& LASGAT Members        Ngozi Nwosu- Juba campaigning on DVL in Igbo language

Taiwo Lala speaking on DVL in Yoruba language

 

  1. 2014

Women Law and Development Centre Nigeria along other participants was at a 1day training on Gender Based Violence Prevention and Response for Youths/Young People and Women was organised by Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) at the Lagos Building Investments Plc, Central Business District, ASSBIFI Road, Alausa. 27th Aug. 2014.

Sept 2014

Women Law and Development Centre Nigeria participated at the Stakeholders Summit on Child Rights/ Domestic Violence Law organised by the Lagos State Judiciary at the City Hall, Mission Street, Lagos. 25 September 2014.

At the Annual Convention and Award organised by Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), the Executive Director of WLDCN was among those given award in recognition of her passing through public and private life without corruption blemish. 17th September 2014.

 

Nov 2014

Women Law and Development Centre Nigeria (WLDCN) participated at the Voluteercorps Stakeholders Forum National Dialogue on Deconstructing the continuing crises of Standards and Performance in Nigeria Secondary Schools at the Eko Hotel and Suites on 6th Nov. 2014. Dr Keziah Awosika presented a paper titled ‘Secondary School Education in Nigeria – An Assessment of Standards, Performance and Administration’.

 

 

 Acts Generation organised  an International Conference on Domestic Violence, Sexual Assaults & Trafficking in Nigeria, 2014. At the Oriental Hotel, Lekki Epe Expressway on 27th Nov 2014. Women Law and Development participated at the conference.

June 2015

Women Law and Development Centre, Nigeria (WLDCN) as part of the Lagos State Advocacy Team (LASGAT) organised a 1day Interactive Session for Lagos State Female Legislators at the Grandbee & Suites, Ikeja on 30th June 2016.

 

 Group of 6 (G6), a group of NGOs which WLDCN is also part of, organised a Dialogue on Beijing Critical Areas and Advancing the Post 2015 Agenda at the Chesterfield Hotel, Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja. June 10th 2015.

July 2015

WLDCN was at the Nigerian Bar Association program – Section on Legal Practice (SLP) organised a seminar on the Reality of Women’s Rights in Nigeria at the Ikeja Sheraton Hotel on 5th of July, 2015

 Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) organised a program on Thematic Dialogue- Mentoring Young Women and the Future of Women’s Political Participation in July 16th 2015 at the Chesterfield Hotel, Ikeja and Women Law and Development Centre Nigeria (WLDCN) was there.

Partnership for Justice (P4J) organised a conference on Rape and Sexual Violence at Adeyemi Bero Hall, Alusa,  Ikeja on 22nd of July 2015. WLDCN was invite as one of the participants.

 

Women Law and Development Centre Nigeria (WLDCN) was at the program organised by Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) on Thematic Dialogue on Mobilising more Women for active engagement in Political Parties, 24th and 29th July, 2015.

 

Nov 2015

WLDCN in a 2 day program title ‘A Writers Workshop on the Status of Human Rights in Nigeria’ organised by Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) at the Excellence Hotel on 17-19th November 2015.

 

 

Dec 2015

WLDCN along with other NGOs was at a Road Show Walk organised by Voices For Change (V4C). This walk was done to end Gender Based Violence in our society. 2nd Dec. 2015.

Women Law and Development Centre was at the 8TH AAWORD General Assembly that took place in Dakar, Senegal,7th-9th December 2015.

Motherhood Magazines and it’s Partners in collaboration with the Mirabel Centre organised a Road Walk title the Violence Towards Women and Children at the Fantasyland on December 12 2015, WLDCN was among the organisation that participated.

March 2016

Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation marks their International Women’s Day title ‘Gender Parity’ at the Police College, Ikeja on 8th March 2016. WLDCN was also invited.

 

May 2016

As part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), WLDCN participated in a 3 day empowerment program organised by Centre for Global Solutions and Sustainable Development (CENGSSUD) title ‘Towards helping the poorest of the poor getting out of Poverty in the Community’ held on 4th-6th May 2016 at Oke Eletu  Community Town Hall, Ijede, Ikorodu

 

 As a member of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), Dr Awosika representing LASGAT was at the Governor’s Press Briefing on Activities of the Lagos State in combating Gender based Violence. held at Baguada Kalto Press Centre, Secretariat, Alausa.31st May 2016.

 

As a member of the Lagos State Gender Advocacy Team, WLDCN revised and produced the LASGAT Directory of Organisations and Institutions providing Support Services on Domestic Violence in Lagos State, 2016.

 

WLDCN joined a group of CSOs to organised a 1 day Sensitisation Workshop on Code of Ethics for Traditional Justice System, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Human Rights in Lagos State sponsored by the CLEEN Foundation/DFID-J4A.

MARCH 2017

Women Leaders’ Summit – The staff and Executive Director of the Women, Law and Development Centre Nigeria (WLDCN) attended the 2017 Women Leaders’ Summit organised by WARDC which had the theme, “Women in the changing world, being bold for change”. From the summit, it has highlighted that it is imperative that we should all be feminists and women should shun all forms of patriarchy and stereotypes. During her lecture, Mrs. Erelu Bisi Fayemi said that, “Feminists are not in the business of replacing patriarchy with matriarchy but are in the business of building healthy communities”. Moreover, it was also highlighted by Ms. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti that it is important to partner with local women groups such as market women and church women groups. These will ensure that a pool of women who support other women is built thus building the base for bridging the gender gap. This will ensure that women are able to put their prints in the sands of time, as highlighted by Mrs. Toyin Ojo and ensuring a geese formation, highlighted by Prof. Chioma Agomo.

 

APRIL 2017

Centre for Global Solutions and Sustainable Development (CENGSSUD) Materclass 1.0 – On the 5th and 6th of April, 2017, WLDCN attended this enlightening masterclass which improved knowledge on the improvement of energy efficiency using latest tools, technology, techniques, principles of sustainability, developing a strategic plan for sustainability, and how it report its activities. Staff of WLDCN who attended this masterclass were awarded with certificates in the executive masterclass.

Moreover, on the 11th of April, WLDCN showed solidarity to an acid burn victim at the Igbosere Magistrate Court in Lagos Island.

 

JUNE 2017

IFORSFU Panel Discussion – The Women, Law and Development Centre Nigeria (WLDCN) was invited to a panel discussion organised by the Initiative for Sustaining Family Unit (IFORSFU) at Yaba. The topic of the panel discussion, attended by the Executive Director and staff of the centre, was Education and Wellbeing: The Role of Families in reducing inequalities and violence. It was an eye-opening discussion as participants from various organisations such as the Police Force and Community Leaders were represented.

 

JULY 2017

LSHA Parley – Security concerns dominated the 2nd Edition of the Lagos State House of Assembly/Media & Civil Society organisations parley which took place at the Lagos State House of Assembly on the 13th of July, 2017 attended by the Executive Director and Staff of WLDCN. This was due to the high rates of killings by herdsmen, terrorisms, ritual killings by the feared Badoo Cult members in Lagos State areas of Ikorodu and Iba/Lasu. The main purpose of the parley was to enlighten the media and civil society on how far the Assembly has fared in the last two years and also foster relationship with these various organisations. According to the Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the House has passed eight bills into law and has also passed 72 resolutions, all relating to the welfare of Lagosians. Some of the achievements of the Lagos State House of Assembly include: the reviewed and signing of the Neighbourhood law of 1996, the signing of the kidnapping prohibition bill, reduction of LASU fees from N250,000 to N25,000,  payments of the pension bill review, 6 months maternity leave bill.

AUGUST 2017

V4C Town Hall Meeting – The Women, Law and Development Centre Nigeria (WLDCN) attended a town hall meeting organised by Voices4Change to begin the process of a social movement as a continuation of campaigns for the 5050 agenda. A breakout session was undertaken to identify processes, stakeholders and other relevant inclusions in the movement.

 

Epe Walk against Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Rape – Due to the increasing rate of gender based violence, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team, DSVRT, on August 24, 2017, organized a walk in the Epe area of the State to raise awareness and sensitize residents of the area about domestic violence, rape, child abuse and all forms of sexual violence. WLDCN’s Executive Director, Dr. Keziah Awosika, and staff participated in the walk.

 

SEPTEMBER 2017

Walk against Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Rape (Answani, Mushin) – Following the walk against domestic violence, child abuse and rape in Epe, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team, DSVRT, in September, organised another walk against domestic violence, child abuse and rape in the markets of Answani and Mushin to mark the Domestic Violence month. WLDCN participated in this market storming, which was a success.

International Day of Peace Civic Stakeholders Conference and Book Launch, 2017; Theme: Together for peace, respect, safety and dignity for all

The staff of the Women, Law and Development Centre Nigeria attended the book launch of the Citizens Mediation Centre of Lagos. During the book launch, it was emphasized that every 21st of September was day to strengthen the ideals of peace. The chairperson of the day, Hon. Justice Ayotunde Phillips said during her opening speech that the Citizens Mediation Centres has helped with decongestion of potential court cases and without the Citizens Mediation Centre, there would have been tedious resolution of disputes as there is justice and the Centre was free of charge. Before the launching of the book by the First Lady of Lagos State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, the book, titled Essays on Mediation as an ADR Tool: Lagos State Experience, was reviewed by Dr. Asikia Ige. The foreword was written by the governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and the preface was written by Attorney General Adeniji Kazeem. The book consisted of eleven chapters with various topics such as an examination of the law, the mediation process, the formal justice system of Lagos, the characteristics of a mediators and expected attributes. Her Excellency, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode was given also an award as the Civic Ambassador of Peace.

 

Feminist Consultation on CEDAW & the State of the Nation – WLDCN was invited by Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) to discuss the state of the Nation particularly with respect to recent developments in relation to Gender and Constitution, the failure of the present government to support its promises to women in particular Affirmative Action, Citizenship, Indegenship and other issues. The Executive Director of WLDCN, Dr. Keziah Awosika attended this consultation. The main outcomes of this dialogue include: the encouragement women to assert themselves; to begin the process of mobilisation of women at a state level to increase participation and 35% affirmative action; to mentor young people to allow for learning opportunities; to report of CEDAW and begin the implementation process of the CEDAW comments.

 

Centre for Global Solutions and Sustainable Development (CENGSSUD) Materclass 3.0 – The Executive Director and staff of WLDCN attended a masterclass organised by CENGSSUD. The aim of this masterclass was to sensitise and enlighten organisations on ensuring sustainability and resilience through utilisation of natural resources and communities and the individuals located within these communities. Moreover, organisations were also enlightened on how to manage carbon and ecological footprints, supply chain, how to harvest resources without compromising opportunities for future generations amongst others.

During this training, WLDCN was particularly enlightened on change management towards sustainability – embedding sustainability into the DNA of the organisation to create long-term success. One of these ways to ensure this is to – tap into the opportunities for economic growth and job creation because behind every global problem is a global solution. One major question posed to the audience of this training will continue to serve as a motivator for WLDCN in its current and future activities – How can we include technology in the non-governmental organsations?

 

Commendation and Award Night by the Governor of Lagos State – The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team, DSVRT, were received by the Governor of Lagos State, His. Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode at the Lagos House on Friday 29th of September. (Pictures Below)