The Women Association Federal University of Otuoke (WAFUO) hosted a one-day seminar on July 30, 2024, at the Postgraduate School auditorium, FUO. The event focused on addressing fundamental issues to educate and empower women about their legal rights, aiming to pave the way for a more equitable society.
Dr. (Mrs.) Lolo Adias, the wife of the Vice Chancellor and President of WAFUO, expressed her delight and sense of privilege in her welcome address, standing before the esteemed gathering of women as President and host to discuss crucial aspects of their lives. She extended her appreciation to the management and International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) for their support and encouragement.
Dr. Adias urged the women to participate actively in the seminar, ask relevant questions, and embark on a journey of discovery and empowerment through the seminar’s sessions.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Teddy Charles Adias, who was the Chief Host, expressed his support for the initiative in his speech. However, he cautioned that “there’s a difference between rights and privileges, and there are limitations to rights.” Following his remarks, he officially declared the seminar open.
Dame Debra Pamsoo, Esq., the esteemed Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Bayelsa State Branch, and Chairman of the Ekeremor Rural Development Authority, delivered a captivating address.
She eloquently traced the origins of human rights back to the seminal declaration of 1791, a milestone that captured the attention of feminists globally. Highlighting the pivotal Beijing Conference of 1995, Dame Pamsoo underscored its role in propelling the modern women’s rights movement.
With compelling authority, she cited several key statutes governing Nigeria and Bayelsa State, providing a robust framework for women to lean on in times of need. In a poignant tribute to the legacy of women’s activism, she referenced the historic Aba Women’s Riots, heralding it as a significant precursor to the ongoing struggle for equity and justice within our nation.
Dame Pamsoo, Esq., eloquently expounded on the comprehensive legal rights afforded to women, emphasizing their inherent right to life, freedom, and dignity. She highlighted the critical protection against discrimination and underscored every other right enshrined in internationally recognized human rights laws. Dame Pamsoo specifically cited the Widows and Widowers Protection Law, as domesticated in Bayelsa State, as a paramount legal safeguard. This law ensures the protection of both women and men in the event of a spouse’s death, particularly shielding widows from the harsh and often damning realities imposed by families upon the demise of their husbands.
Regarding the legal rights of marriage, Guest Speaker Dame Pamsoo, Esq., emphasized the importance of the officiating officer, whether a lawyer or pastor, in clearly explaining the type of marriage being undertaken and its legal implications. She stressed that understanding whether the marriage is monogamous or polygamous is crucial, as these represent the two primary types of marriages in Nigeria. Dame Pamsoo, Esq., highlighted that marriages conducted in Customary Courts often permit multiple wives, a detail many participants are surprisingly unaware of.
According to Dame Pamsoo, Esq., statutory marriages, recognized legally and often conducted according to civil or religious laws, offer significant benefits and protections. These include legal rights such as inheritance, tax advantages, social security benefits, and access to spousal health insurance. They also provide a formal framework for property ownership and financial arrangements, ensuring structured legal enforcement in cases of separation or divorce.
Socially and emotionally, statutory marriages signify a public commitment, fostering stability and trust within the relationship, and strengthening bonds through public acknowledgment. They impact family dynamics and social networks positively, offering greater social integration and support from extended family and the community, and marking a significant milestone in an individual’s social identity and status.
Emphasizing the impact of gender inequality in Nigeria, she highlighted that such disparities intensify women’s vulnerability within marriages. This inequality often results in restricted access to education and economic opportunities, an escalation in domestic responsibilities, and an increased risk of domestic violence and discrimination.
Dame Pamsoo, Esq. eloquently asserted that for women to forge a path forward, they must embrace a multifaceted strategy. This includes championing education, empowering women, breaking the silence and taking decisive action during moments of distress. It also entails, engaging with and purchasing relevant literature, harnessing technological advancements, attending both national and international conferences, and reassessing their roles and significance in society are pivotal. These elements collectively pave the way for women to advance and thrive.
The Guest Speaker summarised that “all hands must be on deck” for the equitable society women envisage.
One of the highlights of the one-day seminar was a captivating drama presentation by the talented students of the Department of Theatre and Film Studies at Federal University Otuoke. The day’s events concluded with a gracious vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Juliet Teibowei, the esteemed Dean of Student Affairs.
From the Publications Unit