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 have 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 Carolye 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 ( Kwara State) 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
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 Zainab Atoba (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.
As we enter the new year, I urge you all to remain focused on 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
