The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Women Forum, Adamawa State Chapter, on Wednesday, held its August Congress Meeting with a pledge from the members to strive for the unity and progress of the forum.
The meeting attracted the Chief Judge Adamawa State, Hon. Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman, Hon. Justice Bulila Ladokiya Ikharo, Chairperson Magistrates Association of Nigeria Adamawa State chapter, Chief Magistrate Uwani Garba Ibrahim, Senior Women Lawyers and members of the forum.
The event created an ample opportunity for the members of the forum who deliberated on the challenges affecting them and made recommendations on how to cater for their wellbeing, profession, families as well as ensure progress of the forum.
From L-R: Mrs. Fatima Bello Raji Esq, State Lead NBA Women Forum Adamawa State Chapter, Hon. Justice Bulila Ladokiya Ikharo, Chief Magistrate Uwani Garba Ibrahim, Chairperson Magistrates Association of Nigeria Adamawa State Chapter at the event
In her presentation, a Resource Person, Hon. Justice Bulila Ladokiya Ikharo, appreciated the forum for organising the event and for giving her opportunity to make presentation.
Justice Bulila, noted that being a female lawyer in Nigeria can be equally rewarding and challenging at the same time, saying that women make up a significant portion of the NBA today, but often times face certain barriers and challenges in their profession.
According to her, the legal profession is one that demands enough time and could be stressful which can make it difficult for the female lawyers to combine their work and at the same their personal lives.
She further stated that female lawyers who are married and responsible for catering for their children or elderly family members may face additional challenges and recommended ways that can help them to stay grounded amidst the challenges.
She advised them to start networking early on their professional career, manage their time wisely, strive hard to overcome the misconceptions posed on female lawyers out there in the society and give their career the best it deserves.
She called on them to get maids that can help them in their domestic activities and not allow any maid to take over their place as wives because of their career, pointing out that a good home will produce a smooth and a promising career.
"You must be a wife no matter your status at work/career.Take up challenging cases; once you are able to handle one, then the rest is a story. Be confident in yourself even as you speak out in court.
"Consult your spouse about any decision concerning your career. Above all, pray about everything that concerns your personal life, family, career", said Justice Bulila.
In her goodwill message, the Chairperson Magistrates Association of Nigeria Adamawa State chapter, Chief Magistrate Uwani Garba Ibrahim, lauded the leadership of the forum for organising the meeting and tasked the members to take good care of their families while practising their profession.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the State Lead of the forum Adamawa State chapter, Mrs. Fatima Bello Raji Esq, thanked the CJ, other judges and entire female lawyers for attending the meeting.
Mrs. Fatima Bello Raji Esq, explained that the forum is an arm of the NBA constitutionally established to address matters affecting the wellbeing of the Nigerian female lawyers.
She disclosed that the forum is aimed at empowering female lawyers for success, identifying and providing innovative solutions to key issues that affect the members.
She added that they can achieve the aforementioned noble objects through advocacy, mentoring, organising workshops and conferences on gender issues, leadership, personal development, career growth, work life balance, etc.
The State Lead listed some of the lofty benefits of the forum for the members including listing in the directory of female lawyers in Nigeria, access to platform for global reach and perspective.
Others according to her include mentoring opportunity/ mentor grooming within Nigeria and internationally, gender support against discrimination, abuse and harassment as well as network with a broad base/diverse forum of Nigerian female lawyers globally.
She added that the members will get huge opportunity for career growth and development, unlimited legal information from forum Library/Research unit, eligibility to vote and be voted for and for appointment to positions in the Forum.
Mrs. Fatima Bello Raji Esq, hinted on diverse opportunities to benefit from the partnership between NBAWF and New York State Bar Association Women In Law Secrion (NYSBA WILLs); exchange programs, training and speaking engagements and much more.
In her vote of thanks, Amina Ali Esq, commended the leadership of the forum for organising the meeting and the entire members for their attendance.
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