As we join the global community to commemorate International Women’s Day, the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Ghana, reaffirms its commitment to accelerating action for gender equality and justice.
This year’s theme, “Accelerating Action,” resonates deeply with our mission to promote and protect the rights of women and girls in Ghana. We recognize that despite progress made, women and girls continue to face significant barriers to equality, including discriminatory laws, cultural and social norms, and inadequate access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. As women lawyers, we are committed to using our skills, expertise, and collective voice to accelerate action for gender equality and justice.
We will continue to:
1. Advocate for policy and legislative reforms that promote gender equality and justice.
2. Provide legal assistance and support to women and girls who are survivors of violence and discrimination.
3. Collaborate with other stakeholders to promote awareness and education on gender equality and justice.
We call on the government, civil society, and all stakeholders to join us in accelerating action for gender equality and justice.
Together, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.
……………………………………
Public Relations, AWLA Ghana
Contact: Marian-0249669405/Effiba-0244464141
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International Women’s Day (IWD): A Celebration of Achievements and Advocacy for Equality
Observed annually on March 8, it honors the accomplishments of women worldwide and advocates for gender equality. With roots in the early 20th-century women’s rights movements, IWD has evolved into a global celebration.
Origins and History
In 1922, Vladimir Lenin declared March 8 as International Women’s Day to recognize the pivotal role women played in the 1917 Russian Revolution. The holiday gained traction within the socialist movement and communist countries. The United Nations’ promotion of IWD in 1977 catapulted it to mainstream global recognition.
Global Significance
International Women’s Day is a public holiday in several countries, with the United Nations observing the day in conjunction with a specific issue, campaign, or theme related to women’s rights. This global celebration serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing quest for gender equality and the importance of recognizing women’s contributions to society.
Accelerating Action: A Call to Achieve Gender Equaliy
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, the theme “Accelerate Action” resonates deeply. It emphasizes the need for swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality, urging individuals, organizations, and governments to take concrete actions to address the systemic barriers and biases that women face.
Despite progress made, significant barriers to gender equality remain. Women continue to face discrimination, violence, and marginalization in various aspects of life, including education, employment, healthcare, and politics. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to accelerate action, leveraging strategies, resources, and activities that have proven effective in advancing women’s empowerment.
Understanding What Works
One of the most effective ways to forge gender equality is to understand what works and to do more of it, faster. This involves identifying and scaling up successful initiatives, policies, and programs that have positively impacted women’s lives. By learning from these experiences and building on existing momentum, we can accelerate progress toward gender equality.
Supporting the Supporters
A crucial aspect of accelerating action is to support the organizations, groups, and individuals working tirelessly to advance women’s empowerment. These entities, ranging from grassroots charities to large-scale organizations, require resources, funding, and visibility to continue their critical work. By supporting these groups, we can amplify their impact and help create a more equitable world.
IWD GIVING: A Call to Action
In recognition of the importance of supporting women-focused organizations, IWD 2025 introduces the concept of IWD GIVING. This initiative encourages individuals, organizations, and governments to donate to charities, NGOs, and community groups working to advance women’s empowerment. By making March 8 one of the biggest giving days of the year, we can collectively accelerate action and create a more just and equitable world.
Individual Actions
While supporting organizations is crucial, individual actions can also make a significant difference. We can all take steps in our daily lives to positively impact women’s advancement, such as:
– Calling out stereotypes and challenging discrimination
– Celebrating women’s successes and achievements
– Sharing knowledge and encouragement with others
– Supporting women-focused organizations and initiatives
– support victims of violence and shame perpetrators
– unite to push the boundaries
Corporate Actions
Promote Economic Empowerment
– Enforce pay equity and transparency
– Provide paid maternity and paternity leave
– Improve women’s access to financial services (loans, investments, business development support)
– Recognize, redistribute, and reduce unpaid care work
– Anonymous Reporting Mechanisms: Allowing individuals to report incidents without fear of retaliation
– employees should be educated and trained on the importance of respecting boundaries and consent.
– Victims of sexual harassment should be provided with access to support, counseling, and justice.
– Protection of whistleblowers: Safeguarding individuals who come forward with allegations from intimidation or retaliation
Government Actions
– Strengthen laws promoting gender equality (equal pay, reproductive rights, protection against gender-based violence)
– Implement existing laws fully
– Develop inclusive policies in education, healthcare, and the workforce
– Ensure and deliberately increase women’s representation in decision-making processes
– Increase women’s participation in politics and leadership roles
– Promote gender diversity in corporate leadership
– Support women’s leadership at the community level and within grassroots organizations
– Use Technology for Inclusion
– Ensure women have equal access to technology and the internet
– Leverage technology to promote women’s empowerment
– provide protection and welfare for victims and their families
– provide trained gender defender at the Police stations
– provide a one stop centre for victims of violence
-. Provide adequate shelter for victims
– invest in data and statistics gatjrrrf
– Eliminate gender bias in education
– Provide equal access to quality education for girls and women (especially in STEM)
– Support lifelong learning opportunities and skills development
– Support survivors of gender-based violence
– Hold institutions accountable for preventing sexual harassment and discrimination
Global Collaboration
Forge Global Collaboration and Advocacy
– Strengthen international and regional coalitions promoting women’s rights
– Increase financial support for women-led organizations working at the grassroots level
To accelerate action, it is essential to amplify the message of gender equality. We can do this by sharing our experiences, successes, and challenges on social media, using hashtags such as #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction. By striking the #AccelerateAction pose and sharing our solidarity, we can create a wave of momentum that inspires others to join the movement.
Conclusion
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we are reminded that achieving gender equality requires collective action, urgency, and momentum. By accelerating action, supporting the supporters, and amplifying the message, we can create a more just and equitable world for all. Join us in this campaign to accelerate action and make a difference in the lives of women and girls everywhere.
About African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA)
AWLA is a African organization that aims to promote women’s empowerment, gender equality, and social justice. With a presence in several African countries and African diaspora countries, AWLA works to amplify the voices of women and girls, advocating for their rights and interests. Join us in our mission to accelerate action and achieve gender equality. Visit our website at https://awla.international or www.awlanigeria.org to learn more.
Mandy Asagba
President
African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA)
8/3/2025
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African Women Lawyers Association Celebrates a Shining Star
The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) is thrilled to celebrate one of its own distinguished members, HRH Olori Olufunmi Ajibola-Oluyede, on her prestigious appointment as a Life Bencher.
This remarkable achievement is a testament to Olori Oluyede’s exceptional contributions to the legal profession, her tireless advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment, and her unwavering commitment to excellence.
As a renowned transnational commercial attorney, Olori Oluyede has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and expertise, providing over 39 years of legal insight and expertise to prominent clients globally. Her passion for women’s rights and human rights has driven her to organize international conferences at the United Nations and collaborate with various humanitarian organizations.
Within AWLA, Olori Oluyede has been an invaluable asset, serving as Country Representative USA, Director of Programs AWLA International, AWLA United Nations Representative, and Chairperson AWLA International Conference Planning Committee.
She also served and still serving in NBA, FIDA, IBA, ABA, IAW et al
We are honored to celebrate Olori Oluyede’s achievements and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition. Her dedication, selflessness, and commitment to humanity are an inspiration to us all.
Please join us in extending our warmest felicitations to HRH Olori Olufunmi Ajibola-Oluyede on this remarkable achievement.
Signed,
Mandy Asagba – President
Peju Oduye-Quadri – Secretary General
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A New Year Message to Members, Partners, and Patrons of African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA)
Dear Esteemed Members, Partners, and Patrons of AWLA,
As we bid farewell to the outgoing year and usher in a new one, I am delighted to express my profound appreciation to each and every one of you for your unwavering commitment to our great Association. Your selfless sacrifices for humanity, dedication to our shared values, and tireless efforts to advance the cause of African women and children have been truly inspiring.
I salute you specially for your resilience and determination in the face of the excruciating economic downturn. Your unwavering commitment to our shared values of gender equality, justice, and dignity for African women and children is a testament to your strength and character.
On behalf of the Executive Council, I extend my deepest gratitude to our Country Representatives, Zonal Coordinators, State Coordinators, Executive Officers, present and past, Diamond Life Members, Life Members, Board of Trustees, Patrons, Partners, Sponsors, Male Champions, Media team, and Collaborators. Your support and collaboration have been invaluable and instrumental in our progress, and we would not have achieved our milestones without you.
Our collective efforts have yielded remarkable results, including:
– Successfully advocating for the passage of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) in several African countries, resulting in a significant reduction in cases of domestic violence and abuse.
– Providing free legal services to over 14,000 women and children, empowering them to assert their rights and challenge discriminatory practices.
– Training over 5,300 women in leadership and entrepreneurship skills, enabling them to take on leadership roles and contribute to the economic development of their communities.
– Collaborating with governments, civil society organizations, and international partners to promote gender equality, justice, and human rights.
– Establishing additional Country Chapters of AWLA, expanding our reach and impact across the continents
These achievements are a testament to your strength, resilience, and commitment to our shared values. We salute you for your unwavering dedication to the cause of African women and children.
I would like to take a moment to honor the memory of some of our esteemed colleagues who transitioned to eternal glory. We remember with reverence and affection:
Awlan Alice Jaka Jones (Lagos), whose tireless advocacy for women’s rights continues to inspire us
Awlan Florence Ifeoma Wogu (Coordinator, AWLA Abuja), whose leadership and dedication to our cause were exemplary.
Awlan Dr. Dorothy Udo Umoatan (Coordinator, AWLA Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria), whose wisdom and expertise will be deeply missed.
Awlan Edna Kuma (Vice President, AWLA International), whose global perspective and commitment to our shared values were invaluable.
May their precious souls continue to rest in perfect peace! May their legacies continue to inspire and motivate us to strive for a world where women and children are treated with dignity and respect. Amen.
Permit me also to extend my warmest congratulations to our distinguished members who have achieved remarkable milestones this year. Your exemplary accomplishments are a testament to your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence.
Hearty congratulations to:
HRH Olori Olufunmi Oluyede (USA) on her election as the Executive Director of FIDA International
Awlan Carolyne Kamende Daudi (Kenya) on her appointment as High Commissioner to the USA.
Awlan Sahabi Hadiza Jaredi (Nigeria) on her elevation to the bench as a High Court Judge Sokoto State
Awlan Falilat Orire (Nigeria) on her election as Country Representative AWLA Nigeria and her appointment as Deputy Chief Registrar, Court of Appeal, Kwara Division.
Awlan Efua Ghartey ( Ghana) on her election as President of the Ghana Bar Association
Hon. Betty Mould-iddrisu on her election as Chairman National Democratic Congress the Ruling Party in Ghana
Awlan Mariam Inuwa: on her election as Deputy Country Representative AWLA Nigeria (Bornu State)
Oluwatoyin Ndidi Taiwo-Ojo: on her election as Secretary AWLA, Nigeria (Ogun State)
Awlan Comfort Yubuin: on her election as Assistant Secretary AWLA Nigeria (Gombe State)
Sahabi Hadiza Jaredi: mOn her election as Treasurer AWLA Nigeria (Sokoto State)
Awlan Angela Offei-Mamuzoh: on her election as Public Relations Officer AWLA Nigeria (Delta State)
Awlan Sunday Dinatu Damilep: Welfare Secretary 1 AWLA, Nigeria ( Plateau State)
Awlan Bola Animashaun (Nigeria) on her election as 2nd Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Awlan Dr. Hadiza Ali Kabiru Coordinator AWLA kaduna State
Awlan Member Adiguve Coordinator AWLA Benue
Awlan Zainab Atoba Aminu Garba (Nigeria) on her election as 3rd Vice President Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
Awlan Bridget Edokwe (Nigeria) on her election as Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Awlan Blesson Udofa Poromon ( Nigeria) on her election as Treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Awlan Hilda Desmond Ihekaire (Rivers State, Nigeria) on her election as Chairman, NBA Ahoada Branch.
Awlan Cordelia Eke (Rivers State, Nigeria) on her election as Chairman, NBA Port Harcourt Branch.
Awlan Gloria Ohia (Rivers State, Nigeria) on her election as State Coordinator, AWLA Rivers State.
Awlan Chisomo Nyemba (Malawi) on her appointment as Country Representative, AWLA Malawi.
Awlan Falilatou Alexandrine Saïzonou (Benin Republic) on her appointment as Country Representative, AWLA Benin Republic.
Awlan Assama Sidi Djamila (Togo) on her remarkable achievements and contributions to the advancement of women’s rights in Togo.
Your achievements are an inspiration to us all, and we celebrate your success with great pride.
Thank you dear AWLANs and Partners for your tireless efforts in representing and flying the AWLA Flag. Your dedication is truly appreciated
As we enter the new year, I urge you all to remain focused and extraordinarily committed to our goal to end indignity to the African woman and child. Let us continue to work together to enthrone gender equality, occupy our rightful space at the decision tables, and make a critical move into the political space.
May the Almighty keep you and your families safe, healthy, fulfilled, promoted and prosperous in the new year and beyond.
God bless you all.
I remain,
Yours truly,
Mandy Demechi-Asagba
President, African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA)
31/12/2024
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Dear Esteemed Members, Patrons, Diamond Life Members, Life Members, Male Champions, Partners, Sponsors, and Clients of the African Women Lawyers Association,
As we celebrate the joyous season of Christmas, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude and admiration for each and every one of you. Your unwavering support, commitment, and contributions to our shared vision of promoting gender equality, ending indignity to the African woman and child, and upholding human rights are truly inspiring.
To our Patrons, Diamond Life Members, and Life Members, we appreciate your leadership, guidance, and generosity. Your investment in our mission is invaluable, and we are grateful for your trust in us.
To our Male Champions, we thank you for your unwavering support and advocacy for gender equality. Your voices and actions are crucial in our collective pursuit of a more just and equitable society.
To our Partners, Sponsors, and Clients, we appreciate your collaboration, financial support, and trust in our services. Your partnership enables us to continue our vital work and make a meaningful impact in the lives of African women and children.
To our members, your tireless efforts, selfless dedication, and unrelenting passion have made a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals and communities across Africa. Your work is a shining testament to the power of collective action and the unwavering pursuit of justice.
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who embodied the values of love, compassion, and justice, let us recommit ourselves to our shared vision of a world where African women and children are treated with dignity and respect. Let us continue to stand together, united in our pursuit of gender equality and human rights and shun anything likely to cause us to lose focus on our shared vision.
As we look to the new year, I wish each of you a joyous Christmas season, filled with love, laughter, and time with loved ones. May the coming year bring you renewed strength, greater commitment, and increased success in our collective endeavors.
Thank you for being part of this remarkable community. I am honored to stand alongside each of you in this noble pursuit.
Warmest wishes,
Mandy Demechi-Asagba
PRESIDENT
25/12/2024
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Dear Madam President Elect,
We, the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), extend our warmest
congratulations to you on your historic election as the first female President of the
Ghana Bar. This remarkable achievement shatters glass ceilings and paves the way
for gender parity, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal
5 and the 2030 Agenda.
Your ascension to this esteemed position marks a new era for the Ghana Bar and sets a commendable precedent for neighboring bars in Africa. We applaud the wisdom of your colleagues in choosing you, Efua Ghartey, to lead with the distinctive perspective and approach that only the feminine touch can bring.
As you embark on this remarkable journey, we express our eagerness to collaborate with your organization in advancing the rule of law and protecting
human rights across Africa. We are confident that your leadership will be marked by unprecedented success and impact.
We wish you, your team, and the Ghana Bar Association a tenure filled with memorable achievements, profound influence, and unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice.
Please accept our sincerest felicitations and best regards.
Sincerely,
Mandy Demechi Asagba
FICMC, M.I.L.D, MDiv, BL, LL.B
President, African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA)
ARISE O COMPATRIOTS
Nigerians call obey
To serve our father’s land
With love and strength and faith
May the Labour of our heroes past never be in vain
O YES ARISE, enough of the crawling, it’s time to walk, it’s time to run with the Nigeria vision, it’s time to recover all our lost glory,
It is time to fix Nigeria and stand TALL in the comity of Nations
It is time to dethrone the rule of rulers and enthrone the Rule of Law
It is time for peace and justice to reign in our land
We choose to fix Nigeria today! No longer business as usual. It’s our Father’s Land, We choose to protect our father’s land and release it from every negative grip. Enough of the ‘Jakpa’, Enough of the ‘sidon look’, Enough of ‘settling for the crumbs’…. We are ready to confront our challenges, occupy our space and possess our possessions!
IT’S A NEW DAWN!
Welcome to the Nigeria of our dreams!!!
A Just, egalitarian and prosperous nation.
The Speaking and acting Nigerians
The ‘Soro so ke, mu se’ generation is here!
Mandy Demechi-Asagba
President
AWLA
October 1, 2023
August 25- September 1, 2023
AFRICAN WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (AWLA) in collaboration with the NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION (NBA), DUTY SOLICITORS NETWORK (DSN), NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (NHRC), LEGAL AID COUNCIL OF NIGERIA, NAPTIP, BRITISH COUNCIL- RoLAC, INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN LAWYERS (FIDA), LEGAL HUB and other stakeholders are set to provide FREE LEGAL CLINIC to the indigent, marginalised, oppressed and violated at the NBA ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE (AGC)
AWLA volunteers to provide free legal services at the upcoming NBA AGC Conference to be held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja from the 25th of August to the 1st of September 2023 from 10am daily.
DSN will have on ground no less than 30 lawyers who will be joined by the Nigerian Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute and other Human Rights organisations in attending to the general public by providing free legal advice and services.
Citizens and residents within Abuja and environs are encouraged to visit the *Free Legal Clinic* tent at the venue of the AGC to speak to a lawyer about their legal issues and get advice on how to resolve the issues.
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED FOR FREE INCLUDE:
Human Rights Violations, abuse of office, gender based violence and complaints of human Rights violations generally
Marriage and matrimonial disputes
Domestic Violence and Child Rights issues
Child Custody and maintenance
Contracts
Landlord and Tenant matters
Alternative Dispute Resolutions: Mediation and Reconciliation services
Starting a new business Incorporations and business registrations
Employer/Employee Disputes
Other Partner Institutions include:*
1. Juritrust Center
2. Duty Solicitors Network
3. NAPTIP Anti Trafficking Legal Hubs (Edo, Delta and Lagos)
4. IIDEA RoLAC Program
5. Legal Pool for Justice and Equity Initiative
Lawyers are welcome to register as volunteers at the venue to donate at least 1 hour of their time to provide free advice
If you are interested in making a donation in cash or kind please contact +234 803 331 4899, +234 817 121 4161 for further directions.
Lawyers should please share the eflyers on their respective community platforms
Amanda Demechi-Asagba world President of the African Women has deeply commiserated with the king of England King Charles III following the death of the Queen Elizabeth II
Demechi-Asagba extolled the late Queen for her service to humanity and prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul
Her condolence reads:
“It is a fact that history cuts across all ages, therefore, the history of the good deeds of the Queen and her family in Nigeria are well passed down from generations to generations, especially the nation’s victory of self realisation (Independence) under her reign.
You are indeed a noble matriarch and I deeply sympathize with the royal family of the Queen on the passing of this great motherly icon.
“I am certain she has moved on to the right-hand side of our Lord and I pray that the good Lord be with the rests of the family and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
“May the reign of the King, King Charles III be a peaceful one.
“Thank you for your service and dedication to the people Rest in peace Her Royal Majesty We love you very much and will never forget you
LONG LIVE THE KING
AMANDA DEMECHI-ASAGBA
President AWLA and Third Vice President Nigerian Bar Association NBA
…Justice Yuoh was the first country rep of AWLA Liberia
Global President of the African Women Lawyers Association AWLA and the Third Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association NBA, Mrs Amanda Demechi-Asagba has congratulated the new Chief Judge of Liberia Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh who named CJ by the Liberian senate.
The female CJ Yuoh, who is the first country representative of AWLA Liberia, replaces Justice Francis Saye Korkpor, who retired and the exited the bench at the age of 70.
According to Demechi-Asagba, it is so heart warming that female lawyers have been blazing the trail and doing gender proud, especially living up the theme of the 2022 International women’s day tagged #Breaking the Bias.
“I am so overwhelmed with the news of your recent appointment as CJ of Liberia my great AWLA, and it is my prayer that you will do great exploits in your new capacity as Chief Justice and strive to exemplify quality leadership even as you assume headship of the Liberian bench.
“I pray for immense wisdom and courage to effectively discharge this huge task resting on your shoulders.
“On behalf of the entire members of AWLA worldwide I say a very big congratulations to you and wish you every good thing you require to “steer the wheels of justice,”
Triplenet LawParliament reports that Justice Yuoh becomes the third female chief justice and the first since 2003.
One of the two female judges on the Supreme Court at the time was Justice Yuoh.