Programme description

Title: Strengthening women’s and girls’ rights in Borno State
Commissioned by: Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ)
Country: Nigeria
Lead executing agency: National Planning Commission
Overall term: July 2006 to September 2009

Context

Traditional and religious value systems shape routine legal proceedings in Borno State in North-East Nigeria.  The (re-)introduction of sharia law in 2000 further altered the justice system, with detrimental effects on women in particular. Traditionally the woman’s place is seen in the household or in farming, not in politics or paid employment. Traditional structures today, however, because of vanishing resources and the modernisation of farming do not afford women adequate security. At the same time they prevent the full use of women’s economic and social potential. In addition, severe gender inequality prevails in the educational system. Girls are disadvantaged, have less access to education and the professions, and hardly any claim to legal aid.

Objective

Women and girls are able to secure their rights in Borno State, and their legal, political and social situation is improved.

Approach

GTZ supports the work of several regional and local NGOs, including the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS), the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations (FOMWAN) and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA). GTZ also works for the implementation of the Child Rights Law in Borno State. In the long term, this is to lead to equality in the education of boys and girls. Other areas of activity include HIV/AIDS prevention and promotion of reproductive health. The project also counsels women and girls on various topics, such as mediation techniques and financial management, and offers them training in organisational development.

Through panel discussions in radio and television, meetings with religious leaders in villages, and contacts with media and the legal system, GTZ promotes social dialogue and awareness of the rights of women and children, and reinforces the active participation of women in political processes.

In order to bolster the access of women to the justice system, the project organises legal training courses and establishes alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms. That reduces delays in the justice system and makes legal aid for women and the underprivileged financially affordable. GTZ also supports the law clinic of Maiduguri University, where women and children can obtain free legal aid; the university also trains mediators and arbitrators here.  

Results achieved so far

• More and more women hold political offices. 
• Awareness of women’s and children’s rights is increased.
• Increased use is made of free legal aid for women.
• GTZ collaborates in revising the Child Rights Act and supports its presentation to the state parliament.