The Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (NBAWF), Rivers State Chapter, held its annual end-of-year hangout and fireside chat on December 19, 2024, at the NBA Port Harcourt Multipurpose Hall. The event, which began at 4:11 PM, was marked by insightful discussions and a focus on the empowerment of women lawyers.
The program commenced with an opening prayer led by Mrs. Erefaka Boma Dumotari, the Okrika Branch Facilitator. The ex-officio member of the NBAWF, Mrs. Irene Iniobong Pepple, served as the moderator, introducing the Team Lead of NBAWF Rivers State, Mrs. Faith N. Amadi, for her opening remarks.
In her address, Mrs. Amadi welcomed participants, expressed gratitude for their presence, and urged collaboration among members to make women in the legal profession more impactful.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of various women’s legal organizations, including the NBAWF Secretary, Mrs. Ugwochi Agala, who represented the NBAWF Chairperson, and the chairpersons of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Rivers State Chapter, Mrs. Gloria A. Onyia, and the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Rivers State Chapter, Mrs. Tamunoibuemi Life George.
Fireside Chat: Addressing Violence Against Women
The highlight of the event was a fireside chat on the theme “Violence Against Women: Prevention and Panacea,” delivered by Lady Adata Bio-Briggs, the immediate past chairperson of FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch.
During her presentation, Lady Bio-Briggs highlighted alarming statistics, revealing that 10 out of every 30 women experience various forms of violence daily, including domestic, sexual, emotional, and physical abuse, even within the legal profession.
She emphasized the need for lawyers to foster healthy friendships, build support networks, and create response policies within the NBAWF to address these challenges. Lady Bio-Briggs called on members to empower themselves professionally and personally, avoid isolation, and partner with other professional bodies to combat violence against women effectively.
Closing Highlights
The event concluded with closing remarks from Mrs. Faith N. Amadi, who thanked attendees for their participation and encouraged members to make the NBAWF a more vibrant and influential platform. The closing prayer was led by Dr. Nancy Atkins Ekpoh, and the program ended at 5:27 PM.
A total of 32 participants were in attendance, as recorded on the attendance sheet.
Signed:
Faith Amadi (Mrs.)
State Lead, NBAWF Rivers State
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