At the twin celebration of its 37th Anniversary and the International Day of Boy Child, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Rivers State has called on parents and caregivers to strike a balance in the upbringing of the boy and girl child.

Chairperson of FIDA in Rivers State, Adata Bio-Briggs made this call on Thursday, May 16, 2024 during a sensitization walk from NBA House along Bank Road to Mile One Market, all in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

She stated that the walk was in commemoration the International Day of the Boy Child and 37 years of FIDA in Rivers State, informing that the body has been promoting and protecting the rights of women and children in the State for this period of time.

Emphasizing that the girl child has been over trained while the boy child is neglected, Bio-Briggs regretted that this situation has greatly influenced them negatively both in character and lifestyle.

“We are trying to train them on the right path by celebrating them, going for outreach in their schools to educate them on positive masculinity.”

“Make them understand that being a man does not warrant them to be aggressive. Looking at this year’s theme, that you are a man does not make you to be aggressive, angry; they need to take life easy.”

“Their mental health is also very important to us at this level because lots of families groom the young boys to be aggressive, hard. They tell them as boys, they cannot cry, you need to man up, be strong. A child is a child whether boy or a girl.”

Bio-Briggs affirmed that FIDA Rivers has done a lot in protecting, promoting and preserving the rights of women and children in the State.

“When I say we have done a lot, it means we have done lots and we will keep doing it because every day the standard keeps being raised. I’m sure we have gone to all the local government areas in Rivers State educating people about the law, sensitizing them on the laws available to them.”

“We have been litigating the rights of women, boy and girl children. We are at the forefront through our advocacy for the past 37 year’s promoting, protecting their rights.”

“In our advocacy, we have helped shape the legal world by promoting laws. We have been the backbone of some laws that have been enacted in the State. We have the Child Rights Law, we have the inheritance law, harmful traditional practices laws. All of these laws if you go behind, you will see FIDA has a hand in it.”

On his part, the Chairman of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Rivers State Branch, Victor Benibo, discouraged the act of discrimination in raising up children as every child deserves equal treatment.

He commended FIDA for its tireless fight for the rights of women and children in the State, assuring the organization of his full support to ensure a better society.

“We are all here to celebrate FIDA Rivers on her 37th anniversary, it is not easy what they are doing and not expecting any reward. They dedicate their time, life, and inconvenience themselves, to helping others. Their finances are also added into the system they need to be commended and encouraged.

“I do not believe in discrimination whether boy or girl child, every child should be treated equally. What is good for child A should also be good for child B.

There was free medical outreach for women and sensitization of women’s rights under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.

Among the organizations that participated in the event were the Association of Lady Pharmacists, Rivers State, Nigerian Bar Association, Port Harcourt Branch, and Civil Society for Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN) in conjunction with Ministry of Health, Wumsy Cares Foundation, amongst others.