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The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and the

Curbing of Child Abuse in Rivers State, Nigeria

Kate Aiyenigba, PhD

Aiyenigba Street, Alemu, Ketu, Lagos Nigeria

DOI:

https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.910000771

Received: 29 October; Accepted: 05 November 2025; Published: 24 November 2025

ABSTRACT

Child abuse remains one of the most widespread human rights violations worldwide, with serious effects on

social stability and peacebuilding. In Nigeria, legal advocacy groups play a vital role in bridging the gap

between statutory protections and community realities. This study explores the role of the International

Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in reducing child abuse and fostering peacebuilding in Rivers State,

Nigeria. Guided by theories such as Structural Functionalism, Systems Theory, Legal Pluralism, and the

Human Rights-Based Approach, the study uses a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative survey data

with qualitative interviews. A census of FIDA members in Rivers State was conducted using structured

questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, while

qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. Results show that FIDA’s activities go beyond

litigation to include legal aid, community sensitization, policy advocacy, and peacebuilding efforts. However,

these efforts are challenged by funding shortages, weak institutional coordination, judicial delays, and cultural

practices that weaken formal legal processes. The study concludes that legal activism is crucial in protecting

children’s rights and strengthening community cohesion. Policy recommendations include specific actions

such as improved inter-agency coordination led by the Ministry of Justice, increased funding from government

and donors, engagement with traditional leaders, judicial reforms, and integrating legal activism into

peacebuilding strategies. This research adds to the growing understanding of socio-legal responses to child

abuse in plural legal systems and provides practical insights for practitioners and policymakers.

Keywords: Legal activism, Child protection, FIDA, Peacebuilding, Legal pluralism, Human rights.

INTRODUCTION

Child abuse represents one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally, with wide-ranging

implications for physical, psychological, and social development (WHO, 2002; WHO, 2016). Defined as any

action or omission that threatens a child’s well-being, child abuse includes physical, sexual, emotional abuse,

and neglect (CAPTA, 2002; WHO, 2002). Its impact is far-reaching—compromising children’s health,

disrupting their education, and limiting their potential to contribute meaningfully to society. According to

Stoltenborgh, Bakermans-Kranenburg, Alink, and van IJzendoorn (2015), approximately 7.6% of boys and

18% of girls globally experience sexual abuse, while 22.6% experience physical abuse and 35.3% experience

emotional abuse. These figures highlight a serious global public health and human rights crisis that demands

urgent and coordinated interventions (Rao & Lux, 2012; Shaw & De Jong, 2012).

In the African context, the volatile sociocultural and economic environment exacerbates the vulnerability of

children, making them more susceptible to abuse and neglect (Alekseeva, 2007; Auemaneekul, 2013). Many

cases remain underreported due to cultural norms, stigma, and weak institutional responses. This aligns with

Sofuoğlu and Sarıyer’s (2016) assertion that the implications of child abuse remain unidentified or under-

acknowledged in many societies. Similarly, Gilbert et al. (2009) and Jütte et al. (2015) emphasize the gap

between actual prevalence rates and reported cases, noting that many incidents of child maltreatment never

reach legal or protective systems.

In Nigeria, child abuse persists despite international and national legal instruments aimed at protecting

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children’s rights. While Nigeria domesticated the Child Rights Act in 2003, many states have struggled with

enforcement and implementation. Rivers State domesticated the Act in 2009, yet widespread child labor,

sexual abuse, neglect, and trafficking remain prevalent (International Centre for Investigative Reporting,

2022). This situation is worsened by weak prosecution, cultural barriers, and institutional gaps that prevent

adequate protection of vulnerable children.

A key player in the child protection landscape in Rivers State is the International Federation of Women

Lawyers (FIDA), a non-profit, apolitical legal organization committed to defending the rights of women and

children through advocacy, legal aid, and policy engagement (Ojum, Egobueze & Nseigbe, 2022; Anyanwu,

2019). FIDA has raised alarms over rising incidents of child sexual abuse in schools and communities,

prosecuted over 176 rape and defilement cases between 2020 and 2021, and partnered with other agencies to

address gender-based violence and child protection (International Centre for Investigative Reporting, 2022).

Yet, despite these efforts, child rights abuses remain persistent, suggesting the need for a critical evaluation of

FIDA’s strategies and impact in addressing the problem.

While several international studies and conference reports have explored child sexual abuse broadly (Chikoko,

2022), many have failed to account for contextual differences in prevalence and intervention strategies at

subnational levels. For example, the 2022 conference compiled diverse papers on sexual abuse but focused

largely on global and continental perspectives, with minimal attention to regional and state-level contexts.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Conceptual Perspectives on Childhood, Child Abuse, and Peacebuilding

The concept of childhood has been extensively debated, with scholars offering divergent perspectives

grounded in educational, psychological, biological, legal, and sociological frameworks. Childhood is widely

recognized as a natural and biological stage of human development that shapes cognitive, emotional, and social

capacities (Wiegerora & Gavora, 2015). Fayaz (2019) conceptualizes a child as a dynamic social being with

evolving mindsets, opinions, and perceptions, emphasizing their agency and vulnerability within societal

structures. Legally, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) provides a binding

international framework, defining a child as any individual below the age of 18 years and outlining the

universal principles of protection, provision, and participation. Locke (2004) advances the notion of the child

as a “blank slate,” underscoring the role of education, both formal and informal, in shaping cognition, moral

values, and capacity for social interaction.

Within this conceptual framework, child abuse represents a severe violation of children’s rights and

development. It encompasses physical, psychological, emotional, sexual, and neglect-based harms (National

Library of Medicine, 2015). Child maltreatment has multidimensional consequences, influencing not only the

immediate well-being of children but also their long-term social, cognitive, legal, and emotional development

(Gilbert et al., 2009; Butchart et al., 2006). Global discourses increasingly recognize child abuse not merely as

a social problem but as a human rights violation that requires coordinated interventions across health, social,

and legal systems. From this perspective, child protection transcends welfare; it becomes a matter of justice,

enforceable legal obligations, and institutional accountability.

The legal perspective provides a structured lens for understanding how societies define, regulate, and respond

to child maltreatment. Legal frameworks such as the UNCRC (1989) and national instruments like the Child

Rights Act in Nigeria (2003) impose statutory obligations on state and non-state actors to protect children from

abuse and exploitation. These instruments enshrine rights to survival, protection, development, and

participation — transforming moral concerns about children’s welfare into legally enforceable entitlements.

Lawyers, judges, and legal aid organizations play a central role in interpreting, applying, and enforcing these

rights, often acting as critical intermediaries between vulnerable children and state structures.

Organizations like the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) exemplify the role of the legal

profession in child protection. FIDA’s work reflects the growing recognition that legal interventions are

essential for addressing both individual violations (e.g., child rape, trafficking, neglect) and structural drivers

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of abuse (e.g., cultural practices, weak enforcement). Through litigation, legal aid, advocacy, and public

interest interventions, legal practitioners not only protect individual victims but also help shape normative and

policy frameworks that influence broader societal practices (Oluyede, 2013; Anyanwu, 2019). This legal

activism situates lawyers as agents of social change, leveraging legal tools to challenge systemic neglect and

impunity.

Furthermore, peacebuilding in this context is more than the absence of conflict. It involves constructive

personal, group, and institutional relationships that address both the triggers and root causes of violence,

enabling sustainable reconciliation (Fisher, 2000). By linking child protection to peacebuilding, scholars and

practitioners emphasize that the security and empowerment of children are central to social cohesion, human

security, and national stability. Legal practitioners contribute to this process through:

• Strengthening access to justice for children and survivors of abuse;

• Advocating for legislative reforms to align domestic laws with international human rights standards;

• Challenging harmful cultural practices through legal and policy mechanisms; and

• Ensuring accountability for violations of child rights.

This conceptual integration is particularly salient in postcolonial and conflict-affected societies, where

systemic child abuse perpetuates structural inequalities and social instability. Legal actors, alongside educators,

social workers, and health professionals, are increasingly recognized as key peacebuilding agents, ensuring

that child rights protection is not only a social aspiration but a legally grounded and enforceable imperative.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

The analysis of child rights abuse and intervention requires a multi-layered theoretical approach that captures

both the structural organization of society and the interdependence of its institutions, including the legal

system. To this end, this study draws primarily from Structural Functionalism and Systems Theory, while

integrating insights from Legal Pluralism and Human Rights-Based Approaches to explain how legal and non-

legal institutions interact to shape child protection outcomes in contexts such as Rivers State, Nigeria.

Structural Functionalism

Structural functionalism, developed from the works of Herbert Spencer and Émile Durkheim, views society as

a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability and social order (Durkheim, 1985).

Institutions such as the family, education, religion, law, and justice systems are seen as interdependent

components that fulfill distinct but complementary functions in maintaining equilibrium. Within this

framework, the legal system plays a critical role as a normative regulator that establishes acceptable behavior,

prescribes sanctions, and protects vulnerable populations. Legal frameworks like the United Nations

Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) and Nigeria’s Child Rights Act (2003) represent formal

structures designed to safeguard children from abuse and exploitation. When legal institutions function

effectively — through enforcement, prosecution, and access to justice — they help sustain social stability and

peace.

Organizations such as FIDA exemplify how legal actors operate as functional elements within the larger social

structure. By providing legal aid, representing victims, and pushing for law reform, they fulfill a protective and

integrative function: ensuring that children’s rights are upheld, that perpetrators are held accountable, and that

communities internalize legal norms that discourage violence and abuse. From a structural functionalist

perspective, weakening these legal functions — for example, through poor enforcement or underfunding —

destabilizes the social system and allows abuse to proliferate unchecked.

Systems Theory

Systems Theory, as developed by Ludwig von Bertalanffy, emphasizes that society is an open, adaptive system

composed of interconnected sub-units. Each sub-system — legal, social, political, educational, health, and

cultural — must work in coordination to maintain the overall functioning of society (Ackoff, 1981; Schneider

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& Somers, 2006). Failure or inefficiency in one subsystem disrupts the stability of the entire structure. Applied

to child protection, this theory highlights that legal institutions alone cannot protect children effectively

without the active involvement of families, schools, health systems, and community structures. For instance,

legal frameworks criminalize child abuse, but reporting, prosecution, and rehabilitation depend on

complementary actions across multiple systems. FIDA’s interventions demonstrate this interdependence —

legal representation alone is insufficient; the organization also engages in community sensitization, education,

and advocacy, functioning as a node within a broader system of child protection.

Systems theory is particularly relevant in developing contexts where fragmentation between legal, social, and

cultural systems often results in implementation gaps. This perspective underscores the need for coordinated,

multi-sectoral responses to child abuse, situating legal advocacy not as an isolated action but as part of a

networked system of peacebuilding and protection.

Legal Pluralism and Human Rights-Based Approaches

While structural functionalism and systems theory provide a sociological lens, legal pluralism offers a

jurisprudential perspective critical for understanding child protection in postcolonial societies like Nigeria.

Legal pluralism recognizes that multiple legal orders, including state law, customary law, and religious law,

coexist and interact, often shaping how rights are interpreted and enforced at the community level (Merry,

1988).

In many parts of Nigeria, cultural and religious norms intersect with state law to influence how child abuse

cases are reported, interpreted, and resolved. Legal pluralism thus helps explain why formal child protection

laws, such as the Child Rights Act, may not always translate into effective protection on the ground. FIDA’s

legal activism, therefore, often involves navigating and challenging competing legal orders, mediating between

formal courts and informal customary systems to protect children’s rights. Complementing legal pluralism is

the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA), which anchors child protection in international legal obligations.

Under HRBA, children are rights-holders, and governments and legal institutions are duty-bearers obligated to

protect these rights (UNICEF, 2014). This approach emphasizes legal empowerment, accountability, and

participation, situating lawyers not just as legal technicians but as agents of social transformation who use law

to promote justice, equity, and peace.

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

This study adopted a descriptive survey research design with both qualitative and quantitative elements to

examine the role of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in curbing child abuse and

promoting peacebuilding in Rivers State, Nigeria. The design was appropriate because it enabled the researcher

to collect context-rich empirical data directly from individuals involved in legal advocacy, offering both

measurable insights and deeper narratives that reflected respondents’ lived experiences. This mixed-method

approach ensured that both the breadth and depth of the research problem were captured, in line with best

practices in socio-legal and peacebuilding research.

Area of the Study

The study was conducted in Rivers State, located in the Niger Delta region of southern Nigeria. Rivers State is

historically and economically significant, having been created in 1967 out of the old Eastern Region, partly

due to its strategic economic position (Agwanwo & Bello, 2019). The state shares boundaries with Imo, Abia,

Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Delta States, and comprises 23 Local Government Areas. Port Harcourt serves as its

capital and economic hub, historically recognized for its central role during the colonial period (Bodo, 2019;

Falola, Genova & Heaton, 2018; Britannica, 2022).

According to the National Population Commission (2006), the state’s population was 5,198,716, making it one

of the most populous states in Nigeria at the time. The state is ethnically and linguistically diverse, home to

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Ikwerre, Ogba, Etche, Ogoni, and Ijaw ethnic groups, and over 28 indigenous dialects (Cunningham, 2018).

The economy is dominated by the oil sector, while the political climate is dynamic and active. Rivers State was

selected as the study area due to proximity to the researcher, its diverse sociocultural landscape, and the

presence of active legal and advocacy organizations, including FIDA Rivers State Chapter.

Study Population

The population of the study comprised all members of the FIDA Rivers State Chapter. This group was selected

because its members are the primary legal actors involved in child rights advocacy, legal protection, and

peacebuilding interventions in the state. According to information provided by the Vice Chairperson of FIDA

Rivers State, the chapter has 12 registered members. Their involvement in both litigation and community-level

legal advocacy made them the ideal population for this study.

Sample Size and Sampling Technique

Given the small and defined population size, the study employed a census method. This means that every

member of the population was included in the study, ensuring comprehensive coverage of perspectives. The

census approach was particularly suitable because it allowed the researcher to capture the full range of legal

experiences and strategies used by FIDA members in responding to cases of child abuse. This enhances the

credibility and internal validity of the study, aligning with best methodological practices for small populations.

Types of Data and Instruments for Data Collection

The study utilized both primary and secondary data.

• Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire and an interview guide. The questionnaire

was developed using a four-point Likert scale (Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree) to

capture measurable patterns in respondents’ perspectives.

• In-depth interviews were conducted to provide qualitative narratives that enriched and contextualized the

quantitative data. These interviews were guided by four central research questions, allowing respondents

to provide detailed, experience-based responses.

• Secondary data were obtained from FIDA reports, statutory legal documents, journal articles, newspapers,

magazines, and relevant published and unpublished books. This triangulation of data sources strengthened

the study’s methodological rigor.

Validity of the Research Instruments

Content validity was employed to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the research instruments. The

structured questionnaire and interview guide were reviewed by the researcher’s supervisor and faculty experts

in sociology, who evaluated the clarity, relevance, and alignment of the items with the research objectives.

Their feedback informed revisions, ensuring that the instruments were both conceptually sound and

methodologically robust.

Reliability of the Research Instruments

Reliability was established through the test–retest method. The instruments were first administered to 10 FIDA

members in Lagos State, and the responses were collected and analyzed. After ten days, the same instruments

were re-administered, and the results were compared. A Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient of

0.88 was obtained, indicating a high level of reliability. This coefficient demonstrates consistency and stability

of the instrument over time, aligning with standard research reliability benchmarks.

Data Collection Procedure

The researcher, with the assistance of trained research assistants, administered the questionnaires directly to

respondents. This face-to-face administration enhanced response rates and ensured clarity where needed.

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Interviews were conducted using the interview guide, allowing for a semi-structured format that encouraged

open-ended responses while maintaining focus on key themes. This method was particularly important for

eliciting legal practitioners’ nuanced perspectives on child rights advocacy and peacebuilding. All interviews

were conducted with informed consent and, where necessary, audio-recorded with permission

Data Analysis

The collected data were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Quantitative data from the

questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages, mean, and standard deviation on a

four-point Likert scale (with a decision benchmark of 2.50). This provided a clear numerical summary of

patterns and trends in respondents’ views.

Qualitative interview data were analyzed through thematic content analysis, which involved coding,

categorizing, and interpreting emerging themes related to legal advocacy, systemic coordination, cultural

influences, and peacebuilding outcomes. This mixed-method analysis allowed for triangulation, ensuring that

quantitative trends were supported by qualitative explanations, enhancing the depth and validity of the

findings.

RESULTS / FINDINGS

This section presents the findings from both the quantitative survey and qualitative interviews with members of

the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Rivers State Chapter. A total of 12 respondents

completed the structured questionnaire, and in-depth interviews were conducted with selected participants to

provide context and depth to the quantitative trends.

Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents (n = 12)

Variable

Category

Frequency (f)

Percentage (%)

Age

25–34 years

16.7

35–44 years

41.7

45 years and above

41.7

Gender

Female

100

Years of legal practice

1–5 years

25.0

6–10 years

33.3

More than 10 years

41.7

Educational qualification

LL.B/BL

25.0

LL.M

58.3

PhD

16.7

Source: Field Survey, 2025

The socio-demographic distribution indicates that the majority of respondents are mid- to senior-level legal

practitioners, with more than 6 years of legal experience. All participants were female lawyers, consistent with

FIDA’s membership profile.

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Perception of FIDA’s Strategies in Curbing Child Abuse

Table 2 shows responses to the effectiveness of FIDA’s strategies in addressing various forms of child abuse.

Respondents were asked to rate their level of agreement with selected statements on a four-point Likert scale.

Table 2: Perception of FIDA’s Child Protection Strategies

Statement

Mean

Decision

FIDA provides legal representation for survivors of child abuse.

3.83

Accepted

FIDA conducts awareness and sensitization programs on child rights.

3.67

Accepted

FIDA engages in community-level mediation and advocacy.

3.75

Accepted

FIDA collaborates with government agencies on child protection.

3.58

Accepted

FIDA’s strategies are effective in addressing child abuse cases.

3.67

Accepted

Source: Field Survey, 2025

The majority of respondents strongly agreed that legal representation, community engagement, and

collaboration with state actors are key strategies employed by FIDA in protecting children. Qualitative

interviews supported these trends. One respondent stated:

“When families come to us, they are often at their breaking point. Our legal representation gives them hope

and ensures that the perpetrators do not walk free.” (FIDA Member, IDI 3)

Another respondent added:

“Legal action alone is not enough. We combine it with community outreach to change mindsets, especially in

communities where abuse is normalized.” (FIDA Member, IDI 5)

Institutional Challenges Encountered in Legal Advocacy

Table 3 summarizes respondents’ perceptions of the institutional and structural barriers confronting FIDA in its

child protection work.

Table 3: Institutional Challenges in Child Protection Advocacy

Statement

Mean

Decision

Inadequate funding limits FIDA’s operations.

3.67

Accepted

Weak inter-agency coordination affects case outcomes.

3.58

Accepted

Cultural practices often undermine legal interventions.

3.75

Accepted

Lack of child-friendly facilities and personnel hampers effectiveness.

3.50

Accepted

Delays in judicial processes discourage victims and families.

3.83

Accepted

Source: Field Survey, 2025

Respondents highlighted funding gaps, weak coordination, and judicial delays as key obstacles. Qualitative

narratives reinforced these findings.

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“Even when we want to pursue a case aggressively, funding becomes a bottleneck. We rely on pro bono work,

which is not sustainable.” (FIDA Member, IDI 1)

“We face delays in court, poor coordination between agencies, and sometimes even resistance from the

community. All these slow down justice for children.” (FIDA Member, IDI 7)

Contributions of Legal Activism to Peacebuilding

Table 4 presents respondents’ perceptions of how FIDA’s work contributes to broader peacebuilding and social

stability.

Table 4: Contributions of Legal Activism to Peacebuilding

Statement

Mean

Decision

FIDA’s work helps prevent future violence against children.

3.67

Accepted

Legal activism contributes to community awareness and collective

responsibility.

3.75

Accepted

Prosecution of perpetrators reinforces trust in the legal system.

3.58

Accepted

Legal interventions reduce impunity and enhance community stability.

3.67

Accepted

Community sensitization programs foster peace and reduce conflicts.

3.83

Accepted

Source: Field Survey, 2025

Qualitative interviews echoed these perceptions:

“When perpetrators are prosecuted, communities see that the law works. This builds trust and discourages

others from committing such crimes.” (FIDA Member, IDI 2)

Another interviewee reiterated that:

“We are not only lawyers; we are advocates for peace. By educating communities, we reduce tensions and

prevent future cases.” (FIDA Member, IDI 4)

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

Legal Advocacy and Institutional Role in Child Protection

The findings of this study underscore the central role of legal advocacy in protecting children from abuse and

advancing peacebuilding in Rivers State. Respondents overwhelmingly affirmed that legal representation,

community sensitization, and institutional engagement are key strategies employed by FIDA. These results are

consistent with the structural functionalist view that legal institutions act as stabilizing structures that maintain

social order and reinforce shared norms (Durkheim, 1985).

This aligns with prior studies highlighting the protective function of legal systems in vulnerable populations

(Gilbert et al., 2009; Fayaz, 2019). Legal actors, especially organizations like FIDA, serve as crucial

intermediaries between victims and the justice system, ensuring not only access to justice but also reinforcing

societal expectations of accountability. The combination of legal representation and community engagement

reflects a dual strategy that merges formal legal intervention with social norm change, a critical approach in

contexts where legal enforcement alone is insufficient (Pearson & Zenn, 2021).

This finding also mirrors international research that links access to justice with social stability. When survivors

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see perpetrators held accountable, trust in legal institutions increases, thereby strengthening the social fabric

(Dong et al., 2003; Shonkoff et al., 2012). In this way, legal advocacy transcends litigation and becomes a

peacebuilding mechanism—especially in fragile or plural legal contexts like Nigeria.

Theoretical Contribution

The multi-theoretical approach to the study explained the structural organisation of society and the influence of

the interdependent of its institutions, especially the legal system. The structural functionalism theory

emphasized on the way the State is structured and how the various structures function in maintaining social

order and enhancing peace building. Various institutions like the family, education, religion, law, and justice

systems, though independent in their components, but they complement the role of FIDA in reducing child

abuse and building peace in Rivers State. Systems theory also showed its relevance in the need to situate legal

advocacy not as an isolated action but as part of a networked system of peacebuilding and protection through

the interaction between the legal, social, and cultural systems that enhance effective implementation.

Intersectoral Coordination and Systemic Gaps

The study also revealed significant inter-agency collaboration challenges affecting the effectiveness of child

protection efforts. Weak coordination between legal, governmental, and community actors often results in

delayed prosecutions, fragmented responses, and diminished deterrence.

This aligns with Systems Theory, which posits that societal institutions operate interdependently and that

dysfunction in one subsystem affects the entire structure (Ackoff, 1981; Schneider & Somers, 2006). Similar

coordination gaps have been documented in child protection systems globally (Anda et al., 2007; Butchart et

al., 2006), particularly in low-resource settings where agencies often work in silos.

The quantitative finding of high agreement regarding institutional barriers (e.g., funding gaps and weak

coordination) and the qualitative testimonies describing delayed justice underscore the systemic nature of the

problem. This implies that strengthening child protection in Rivers State requires not just stronger legal

frameworks, but more effective integration of legal, welfare, security, and community systems.

Cultural Tensions and Legal Pluralism

A prominent theme that emerged from the interviews was the tension between formal legal frameworks and

cultural or customary practices. Many cases of child abuse, particularly sexual violence and forced marriage,

are resolved informally at the community level, undermining legal accountability. This finding directly

supports Legal Pluralism theory, which recognizes the coexistence of multiple legal orders (Merry, 1988).

Similar dynamics have been documented in many postcolonial contexts where traditional dispute resolution

systems coexist with state law (Fisher, 2000; Olusegun & Idowu, 2016). While these customary mechanisms

often prioritize community reconciliation, they can also perpetuate impunity and silence victims.

In this context, FIDA’s role becomes particularly complex — lawyers must navigate between legal mandates

and cultural expectations, often mediating in spaces where formal law is not the default mechanism for justice.

This underscores the strategic importance of legal advocacy organizations in legally plural societies: they are

not just litigators, but cultural mediators and agents of normative change.

Legal Activism as Peacebuilding

One of the most significant contributions of this study is the evidence that legal activism contributes to

peacebuilding in concrete and measurable ways. Legal activism in this context is the processes of using the law

to curb all activities of child abuse and to advocate for the rights of the child in Rivers State. The legal

frameworks also used as the process of enhancing peace building among the various stakeholders. Legal

implications of child abuse through various enlightenment programmes are ways of building peace among the

people. By holding perpetrators accountable, conducting community sensitization campaigns, and advocating

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for law reform, FIDA’s interventions foster collective trust in legal processes, discourage violence, and

promote a culture of accountability.ss

This reflects a Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA), where legal empowerment and access to justice are

central to advancing human security (UNICEF, 2014). Unlike purely welfare-based models, HRBA frames

protection as a right, not a privilege, emphasizing state obligations and legal enforceability.

The findings mirror international evidence that justice interventions can help rebuild communities and prevent

cycles of violence (Fayaz, 2019; Pearson & Zenn, 2021). In contexts of weak enforcement, civil society legal

actors like FIDA act as translators of legal rights into lived realities, making peacebuilding tangible at the

community level.

Importantly, this also reflects how legal practice can shape social norms: repeated legal actions, public

awareness, and visible consequences for abusers help reframe previously normalized practices, thereby

strengthening societal resilience.

LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

While the study provides valuable insights, its limited sample size (FIDA Rivers State Chapter) may affect

generalizability. However, the census approach and triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data enhance

the internal validity of the findings. Further studies could expand the scope to multiple states and include other

actors such as social workers, law enforcement, and survivors across different legal

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Conclusion

This study examined the role of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in curbing child abuse

and advancing peacebuilding in Rivers State, Nigeria. Using a mixed-method design that combined

quantitative survey data and qualitative interviews, the study generated robust empirical evidence on how legal

advocacy functions as both a protective mechanism and a peacebuilding tool.

The findings revealed that FIDA’s legal interventions are not limited to litigation; they encompass community

sensitization, advocacy, and systemic engagement, making the organization a central institutional actor in child

protection. Legal representation of survivors, prosecution of perpetrators, and legal education initiatives

collectively reinforce public trust in the legal system and discourage cycles of abuse.

However, the study also exposed persistent structural and cultural barriers—including funding constraints,

weak inter-agency coordination, judicial delays, and the influence of customary practices—that undermine the

effectiveness of legal interventions. These challenges reflect systemic weaknesses in Nigeria’s child protection

architecture and highlight the need for integrated, multi-sectoral strategies.

Importantly, the study demonstrates that legal activism, when strategically deployed, can contribute to

peacebuilding, social cohesion, and the transformation of harmful social norms. Situating these findings within

Structural Functionalism, Systems Theory, Legal Pluralism, and the Human Rights-Based Approach, the

research contributes to a deeper theoretical understanding of how legal actors operate in plural legal contexts.

Recommendations

Based on the findings, the following recommendations are proposed to strengthen child protection mechanisms

and maximize the impact of legal activism in Nigeria:

• The Federal & State Ministries of Justice, the Ministry of Women Affairs, FIDA Nigeria, NPF, NSCDC,

and CSOs should establish formal inter-agency frameworks, shared referral protocols, and periodic joint

meetings to improve response time and coordination in child protection cases.

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• Federal & State Governments, Donor Agencies, CSR Programs should allocate dedicated budget lines for

legal aid; support operational costs for FIDA; and encourage grant and CSR partnerships for child

protection activities.

• Traditional/Religious Leaders, NOA, CBOs, and FIDA should conduct community sensitization

campaigns and dialogues to challenge harmful practices and promote reporting of child abuse.

• The NJC, State High Courts, Legal Aid Council, NBA, and FIDA should fast-track child abuse cases

through specialized courts; expand pro bono services; and equip courts with child-friendly facilities and

trained personnel.

• The Ministry of Women Affairs, National Council on Peace and Security, State Peacebuilding Agencies

should recognize legal advocacy as a peacebuilding tool and formally integrate FIDA and other legal

NGOs into child protection and peace strategies.

• Universities, NBS, and donor agencies should support evidence-based policy through research,

longitudinal studies, and improved national data on child protection and legal outcomes.

• FIDA, NOA, and media outlets should lead nationwide legal literacy campaigns using mass and

community media to increase public knowledge of child rights and legal recourse.

Limitations and Future Research

This study provides important insights into the role of legal activism in child protection and peacebuilding in

Rivers State; however, several limitations should be acknowledged.

First, the small sample size, which was drawn exclusively from members of FIDA Rivers State Chapter, limits

the generalizability of the findings to other regions or legal contexts in Nigeria. While the census approach

enhanced internal validity, it did not capture the perspectives of other key stakeholders, such as law

enforcement officers, social workers, or child survivors, beyond the sample.

Second, the cross-sectional design provides a snapshot in time and does not account for the long-term impacts

of legal interventions on community trust or patterns of abuse. Future studies could adopt longitudinal or

comparative designs across multiple states to assess broader trends and causal relationships.

Third, the study relied on self-reported data from legal practitioners, which may carry elements of professional

bias or selective emphasis. Including multiple stakeholder groups in future research — such as community

leaders, survivors, judges, and law enforcement officers — would enrich and balance perspectives.

Future research could examine long-term impacts of FIDA’s interventions through longitudinal or case-based

studies.

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