Today's event, which was at the Newton park hotel was the product of a cooperation by FIDA [Federacion Internacional De Abogadas], SWOFON [Small Scale Women Farmer's Organisation in Nigeria], act!onaid and Heinrich Boll Stiftung Foundation.
It commenced with a welcome address by Ms Hauwa shekarau the National President of FIDA in Nigeria in which she stated that the importance of women in farming is immeasurable and she was glad that the event which started as a mere banter, materialized . She stated that one of the major achievements was the translation of the Women's Right catalogue which was given by the Commonwealth, London, into major Nigerian languages [Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo and Pidgin English]. She then expressed hope that Women's Land Rights will henceforth be upheld by the law and society.
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| Ms. Hauwa Shekarau |
It was followed by a brief comment from Andreas Staeritz. She expressed her elation and also stated that she is a vibrant part of the do-it yourself generation
Afterwards there was a goodwill message from the director of lands
and housing [Federal Ministry of Lands,Housing and Urban
Development] Mr Olurotimi Onabanjo in which he stated that of all the farmers in the Nation, 70% are female but a small percentage own the land on which they farm. He thereafter added that the ministry was having workshops and was making movement towards a favorable land policy for women and that he prays for the success of the initiative.
The representative of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development started his speech with the popular saying "No farmers, no nation" and by extension he said "no women, no farmers." He expressed the need to unwrap challenges that prevent women from owning land. He also brought to mind issue of land compensation in cases of land grabbing. "As productive free elements, women will be encouraged increase output and quality when they are the owners of the land, the Ministry is in support of this initiative" He enthused.
Ms Stella Amadi introduced the Referral Pathway Document after Its auspicious launch by the dignitaries present. She recounted her experience on how her very enlightened father who schooled abroad, willed everything to her three brothers leaving his daughters nothing. She highlighted how the document could be of use, hotlines that the women farmers can call when their rights are being denied.
A woman from Enugu recounted how she was given 3 pieces of land from her father and how she protected it from her greedy uncles.
She said negotiations, diplomacy and advocacy will be needed to help make a head way through our customs and traditions which shouldn't be expected to change overnight. She thereafter advocated that the women do evrythign as a group because it is a lot stronger and recommended that people go to court to settle so as to prevent taking matters into their hands.
Thereafter, there was a brief question and answer session between the women of the SWOFON and the dignitaries present during which, solutions to the problems and questions of the women were found.
The event rounded off with a presentation by Andrea Staeritz of radio dramas [For more info, Click here] depicting the current plight of women, and a vote of thanks from the president of SWOFON Ms. sarah Yapwa.
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| Ms. Andrea Staeritz |
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| The Launch |
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| Produce by members of the SWOFON |
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| Ms Stella Amadi |
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| Interactive Session |
Ms Stella Amadi introduced the Referral Pathway Document after Its auspicious launch by the dignitaries present. She recounted her experience on how her very enlightened father who schooled abroad, willed everything to her three brothers leaving his daughters nothing. She highlighted how the document could be of use, hotlines that the women farmers can call when their rights are being denied.
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