CALL TO ALL CONFEREES: JOIN THE GRAND 10TH ANNIVERSARY AWLA PARLEY

On behalf of AWLA International, AWLA Nigeria, and AWLA Ogun State, I warmly encourage all conferees—both male and female members of the legal profession—to attend the Grand 10th Anniversary of the AWLA Parley at the forthcoming NBA Annual General Conference.

The AWLA Parley is a significant section of the NBA Annual Conference hosted by the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA). Over the years, the Parley has provided a valuable platform for lawyers, judges, academics, policymakers, and other stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange knowledge, and explore practical solutions towards the advancement and protection of the rights of women and children.

As we celebrate this important 10th anniversary milestone, we invite everyone to be part of a decade of impactful conversations, advocacy, learning, networking, and renewed commitment to justice and equality.

AWLA's vision goes beyond issues affecting women alone. The protection and promotion of the rights of women and children are fundamental to the development of a just, peaceful, inclusive, and equitable society. Gender-based abuse, discrimination, violence against women and children, and other forms of injustice affect families, communities, institutions, and society as a whole. Consequently, these are issues that require the collective understanding, commitment, and participation of both men and women in the legal profession.

Why Should Male and Female Lawyers Attend?

The AWLA Parley offers an opportunity for every lawyer to:

- Expand professional knowledge on contemporary legal and social issues affecting women and children.
- Gain fresh perspectives on gender justice, equality, human rights, family protection, and access to justice.
- Contribute to important conversations that shape law, policy, advocacy, and legal practice.
- Network and build professional relationships with distinguished lawyers and other stakeholders from Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.
- Support the advancement of justice and human rights, irrespective of gender.
- Learn practical approaches to addressing discrimination, abuse, violence, and other injustices within our communities.
- Mentor and inspire younger lawyers to become more conscious and committed advocates for justice and human dignity.

For our male colleagues in particular, your participation is not only welcome but highly valuable. The advancement of the rights of women and children cannot be achieved by women lawyers alone. Men are important partners, advocates, allies, fathers, husbands, colleagues, leaders, and decision-makers whose voices and actions can contribute significantly to creating a society free from gender-based abuse and discrimination.

For our female colleagues, the Parley provides an empowering platform to share experiences, strengthen professional capacity, build networks, and contribute to the continuing advocacy for the protection and advancement of women's and children's rights.

As lawyers, we are uniquely positioned to influence society through law, advocacy, leadership, education, and professional example. Attending the AWLA Parley therefore represents not merely attendance at another conference session, but an opportunity to participate in a movement dedicated to building a society where the rights, dignity, safety, and opportunities of women and children are respected and protected.

This Grand 10th Anniversary AWLA Parley is a celebration of the journey so far and, more importantly, an invitation to renew our collective commitment to the work ahead.

Let us come together—men and women, young and senior lawyers, advocates and allies—to learn, engage, connect, and contribute to the advancement of justice.

Your presence will add value to the conversation, strengthen the cause, and make the 10th Anniversary AWLA Parley a truly memorable and impactful gathering.

We look forward to welcoming you all at the Grand 10th Anniversary AWLA Parley.

Come and be part of the conversation.
Come and be part of the change.
Come and celebrate a decade of advocacy, impact, and commitment to the rights of women and children.

AWLA: Protecting, Promoting and Preserving the Rights of Women and Children.

Ebere Mercy Obiora Esq.
State Coordinator, AWLA Ogun State
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