Why Rapists Deserve Castration Upon Conviction – FIDA President

National President of the International Federation of Women Lawyers of Nigeria, Ms. Amina Agbaje, tells ALEXANDER OKERE why states should repeal laws prohibiting women and girls from inheriting the property of their parents or husband

FIDA has been at the forefront of the fight for women's right to inherit family property. What is your reaction to Rivers State's ban on restricting women's rights to share in the Homesteads Act No. 2 of 2022, recently signed by the state governor?< /p>

Allow me to reiterate FIDA Nigeria's deepest gratitude to the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike for his pragmatism and charismatic leadership in Rivers State for this giant achievement not only for women in his state, but for all of Nigeria. I say this for all women in Nigeria, not because the law has national application, but because it is a very good example for other governors in the country to emulate. As you know, cultural practices in almost all parts of Nigeria prohibit women from inheriting family property. As a daughter, she cannot inherit her deceased father's property and as a widow, she cannot inherit from her deceased husband. This is a huge discriminatory practice against women and girls in our country. This is one of the issues that FIDA Nigeria is fighting against. Therefore, Governor Nyesom Wike has given us hope that one day the underprivileged woman will be a thing of the past in our country.

The new law came years after the Supreme Court struck down indigenous Igbo law, barring women from inheriting their father's estate. Would you say the Supreme Court is being applied correctly?

The culture of patriarchy is still etched in the country. Discrimination against women remains a problem in most states. Women need to stand up and do more to push for legislation against female disinheritance in our country. The attitude of most of our leaders is to reinforce cultural values ​​and practices, whether good or bad.

Do you foresee an easy implementation of the new law in Rivers, given the strong buy-in from representatives of the patriarchy culture?

I don't envision it will be an easy ride with the implementation of the law in Rivers State due to the patriarchy embedded in the system. However, I must also say that a law is a law, whether we like it or not. The law has come to repeal the old practice and as FIDAN we celebrate Governor Wike for this wonderful farewell gift to the women and people of Rivers State.

What should the state government do to ensure the law is effective and not gathering dust?

To monitor implementation, I recommend that the law be domiciled in one of the government agencies. Awareness around the law must be conducted. When the provisions of the law are violated, they must be examined by the courts.

The government should also go further to simplify the law and if possible in pidgin English and local languages ​​so citizens know there is a new sheriff in town. A law benefits no one until it is implemented.

What do Rivers women stand to gain from the law?

Women have much to gain from the law and its implementation. Women can now inherit property from their husbands and fathers. Women will no longer be treated as part of hereditary property. Women, especially widows, will no longer be abused upon the death of their husbands. Women and children will be better protected when their husband or father dies. It is a great source of encouragement for women and girls in particular. At least it's a restoration of the dignity of women in Rivers State.

How was FIDA involved in breaking down the patriarchal barrier against women?

As you already know, IFAD fights for the promotion, protection and defense of the rights of indigent women and children. Our programs across the country and even in countries where FIDA exists focus on our core mandates, some of which are to raise awareness of the rights of women and children, to challenge cultural practices that devastate women and children, to the extent possible, and to work hard to promote the enactment of a legal framework for the protection of women and children. We are involved in mediation and/or litigation where the rights of women and children are at risk. We train and build the capacity of people to realize the devastating impact of patriarchal cultural barriers against women.

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