AWLA Rivers

*AFRICAN WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (AWLA) NIGERIA, RIVERS STATE BRANCH IN GOKANA AS PART OF THE 16 DAYS ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE.*

AWLA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch in her global impact in transforming the lives of Women and Children and in sensitizing the entire public on the need to end Gender Based Violence, reached out to one of the communities in Rivers State.

In December 01, 2025 AWLA Rivers able Secretary, Wumi Komolafe Esq in the company of the South South Coordinator Emu Oghenero Esq, AWLA Nigeria Welfare Officer I Monica Akinuli Esq, and Awele Nwaife- Ibiabuo, Chairperson 16 Days Activism Against GBV Committee, led other AWLANs to Gokana Local Government Area wherein the objectives of AWLA as a non- governmental organization was preached, the rationale behind celebrating the 16 Days Activism to an end all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls, the dangers associated with it on family and the society in its entirety.

They were informed about the theme for 2025 "Unite To End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls."

The dear wife of Gokana Local Government Area Chairman, Mrs Briges Deko was truly helpful as she assisted in driving home the points to the rural women and thereafter, AWLA Rivers handed a book on human rights to her to serve as a memorial whenever she remembers AWLA Rivers and to ensure that widows must never be subjected to traditional harmful practices.

The Community women participated in a dancing competition organized by AWLA Rivers, interestingly they all emerged as winners and N5,000 each was given to them.

AWLANs were mercilessly taken care of as they ate and drank to their satisfaction courtesy of the first Lady of Gokana, Mrs. Briges Deko.

The movement to Gokana was quiet and eventful one.

Dr.Endurance E-Chinda,
Public Relations Officer,
AWLA Rivers.

*AWLA NIGERIA, RIVERS STATE BRANCH GENERAL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025.*

The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA)Nigeria, Rivers State Branch under the admirable leadership of her Coordinator, Gloria Anuri Ohia Amb P. MCIArb (UK) FICMC on the 20th day of November, 2025 held her general meeting.

The Coordinator thanked members for attending the meeting irrespective of their tight schedules.

Chairpersons of End of the Year and 16 Days Activism Committees, AWLANs Urang and Awele presented their reports.

AWLA Rivers in her continuous search for knowledge had another advancement session on *"SARC: Core Principles and Services"* which featured Funmi Tamunomi Adegbola, the Direct, Social Welfare Department, Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare as the speaker.
AWLAN Obianuju Anowa on behalf of AWLA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch thanked the presenter for a well delivered paper.

Thereafter, Excos members took photographs with her while November celebrants cut her mouth watering cake, after welcoming our new members.

Interestingly, one of our male champions Felix Ikpo Esq, promised to provide palm wines for the End of Year party.

The meeting was really interesting and informative.

Dr.Endurance E-Chinda,
Public Relations Officer,
AWLA Rivers.

*AWLA Rivers Celebrates International Day of the Girl Child in Conjunction with Rotary Club of Port Harcourt West on Saturday, October 11, 2025*

The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria, Rivers State Branch, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt West, celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, 2025, at Abuja Water Front off Creek Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

This year's theme was "The Girl I am, The Change I Lead: Girls on The Frontlines of Crisis," while the local event theme was "Pad-A-Girl."

The International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11, aims to celebrate the girl child, promote her empowerment and rights, and highlight global challenges such as lack of access to education, early/child marriage, sexual and reproductive health care, economic opportunities, violence, exploitation, and health disparities. The day seeks to amplify girls' voices, promote gender equality, and support their development and well-being.

The AWLA Rivers State Coordinator, Gloria Anuri Ohia Amb P. MCIArb (UK) FICMC, alongside the South-South Coordinator, Oghenero Emu Esq, AICMC, led AWLANs to the event. This year's celebration was exceptional, taking place in a slum where many girl children reside. The distribution of sanitary pads to the girls elicited emotional reactions, as many had never used such products before, relying instead on pieces of clothes, torn wrappers, and tissue papers.

AWLANs and Rotarians present emphasized the need for the girl child to have an equal voice, participate in decision-making, and lead change. The girls were encouraged to speak out and report any concerns. The event was well-attended and successfully executed.

Dr.Endurance E-Chinda,
Public Relations Officer,
AWLA Rivers