The Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, has been honoured by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter, for his outstanding contributions to the fight against gender inequality and inequity in the state.
Justice Anyachebelu was among several distinguished personalities recognised during the 2025 FIDA Week and Award Day, themed “Unmasking the Pain: An Exploration of the Causes and Consequences of Intimate Partner Violence among Adults.”
The event brought together jurists, academics, advocates and civil society actors to reflect on the growing challenge of intimate partner violence and chart a path towards collective action.
Expressing appreciation for the honour, the Chief Judge reaffirmed his continued support for FIDA, noting the organisation’s steady growth and impact over the years.
“I commend FIDA for advancing the rights of the vulnerable and for the strength it has built over time. I also appreciate both past and present executives for steering the ship effectively,” he said.
In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of FIDA Anambra, Mrs Amara Muojeke, reaffirmed the organisation’s unwavering commitment to combating intimate partner violence across the state.
“As an organisation devoted to the protection of women and children, FIDA remains steadfast in addressing the root causes and far-reaching effects of intimate partner violence,” Muojeke stated.
“Today’s gathering offers us an important platform for dialogue, reflection and renewed action.”
She congratulated the award recipients for their contributions to justice, service and societal development, while also commending members of the association for their dedication to FIDA’s ideals.
More than ceremonial gathering
The Chairperson of the 2025 FIDA Week Planning Committee, Dr Roseline Okolo, described the event as more than a ceremonial gathering, stressing that it was designed to provoke reflection, enlightenment and collective action.
“This year’s theme calls on us to look beyond the surface, to confront the silent sufferings hidden behind closed doors and acknowledge a reality that is often ignored, misunderstood or deliberately concealed,” she said.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Nnama Umenwenke of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, identified various forms of intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and economic abuse.
According to him, physical violence includes beating, burning, pushing, kicking, punching, biting, slapping, maiming or killing, as well as the use of objects or weapons.
“There are numerous cases now amplified by social media. Some have even generated national controversy,” he noted.
On sexual violence, Prof. Umenwenke explained that it encompasses sexual assault, rape and any forced sexual activity, including spousal rape.
“If consent is given and later withdrawn, any action taken after that withdrawal is at the perpetrator’s own risk,” he warned.
Emotional violence
He further explained that emotional and psychological violence involves threats and intimidation aimed at instilling fear or worthlessness, while economic violence entails the use of financial resources, employment or education to exert control over a partner.
Umenwenke attributed intimate partner violence to multiple factors, including socialisation, childhood exposure to violence and entrenched patriarchal norms.
“In a patriarchal system like Nigeria, the impression is that the man is the captain, and you cannot have two captains in a boat,” he said, adding that such beliefs often normalise aggression.
However, he acknowledged that the narrative is gradually changing due to sustained advocacy by FIDA and other organisations working to end gender-based violence.
He recommended continuous training and retraining of judges, prosecutors, police officers and other justice sector actors on a human rights-based approach to handling intimate partner violence cases.
Chairman of the occasion, Justice Jude Obiora, emphasised the need for collective action to address factors fueling intimate partner violence, including cultural silence, victim blaming, lack of shelters, inadequate enforcement of laws and slow judicial processes.
He challenged the judiciary to ensure justice in all violence-related cases, noting that consistent and timely justice would boost public confidence in the legal system and encourage victims to seek redress.
