Lagos recently hosted an engaging and dynamic roundtable meeting for women’s groups to discuss the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Lagos State, with a spotlight on sections addressing women’s rights.
Held at the prestigious Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, the event brought together a diverse mix of female professionals, including journalists, lawyers, human rights defenders, female alumni members, and women from faith-based groups.
Organized by the Rights Enforcement and Public Law Centre (REPLACE) with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, the event aimed to deepen understanding of women’s rights as enshrined in the ACJL.
RoLAC was represented by its Nigeria State Project Coordinator, Ajibola Ijimakinwa, at the event, while the session was anchored by Mrs. Mariam Aliko.
The meeting, described by attendees as enlightening and empowering, provided a safe space for women to freely voice their thoughts on human rights issues. Participants explored practical ways to leverage the ACJL to protect and assert their rights.
“We wanted this roundtable to be a forum where women could not only learn but also share their experiences and perspectives,” said Mrs. Mariam Aliko. “The turnout and the level of engagement exceeded our expectations.”
A highlight of the event was the group session, where participants were divided into three groups and tasked with deliberating on specific topics related to the ACJL. Each group later presented its findings in a creative and spirited way, crafting catchy slogans to encapsulate their discussions.
The group presentations showcased the depth of thought and passion among the attendees. “It was inspiring to see how each group distilled complex legal provisions into simple, powerful messages that any woman could relate to,” noted Ajibola Ijimakinwa of RoLAC.
One group’s slogan, “My Right, My Voice, My Power,” emphasized the importance of women speaking up against injustices, while another group coined the phrase, “Justice Is Free—So Is Bail.” These resonant slogans underscored the need for broader awareness and enforcement of human rights laws.
The roundtable concluded with a call for unity among women to champion human rights and push for systemic changes that ensure the effective implementation of the ACJL.
“This is not just a conversation—it’s a movement,” said one attendee, a human rights defender.
A group photograph at the end symbolized the solidarity and shared commitment of all present.
The meeting was hailed as a step forward in amplifying women’s voices in the ongoing discourse on justice and human rights in Lagos State. “This is just the beginning,” said one participant, “and we are ready to take this message into our communities, workplaces, and beyond.”