As the fight for women’s rights continues across the world, partnership organizations like the Fenetre des Avocats (FIDA) – translated “Lawyers Window” – Cameroon and CSC – Lawyers Incorporating Service Company – are coming together to facilitate the advancement of women’s rights.
Founded in 1964, the Fédération Internationale des Femmes des carrières Juridiques Africaines (FIDA Cameroon) was established as an organization to promote and achieve the advancement of women and their legal rights. Throughout recent history, many important court cases were won, and female lawyers acquired access to levels of competency previously reserved only for men. Their mission statement promotes women’s interests, the application of equal rights, and women empowerment through legal counsel and education. FIDA Cameroon’s operating charter includes the implementation of legal aid, public information and education, as well as legal assistance on matters involving familial relationships, employment and government rights.
At CSC – Lawyers Incorporating Service Company – 3162 FIDA defines its scope of services. The Company provides legal services to members of the private establishment and public sectors. The scope of their service in Cameroon is extensive, covering not only the registration and incorporation of new businesses and companies, but also services such as intellectual property rights registration, counter fraud services and litigation. Jusnova, a service provided to large multinationals companies, is a service that allows for gathering of sensitive corporate data pertaining to conduct within a specific jurisdiction.
With the long journey towards legal equality still underway, CSC’s services in Cameroon are a powerful ally for FIDA’s mission to protect and empower women. In addition to the legal aid offered by FIDA in Cameroon, CSC provides various avenues for education regarding women’s rights and issues. Such educational and informational resources have great value to the people of Cameroon. As an example, the People’s Voice Magazine is an example of a digital publication of varying issues such as health, social, and legal information, including topics vital to women and children. It is distributed by CSC as a means of creating awareness around women’s rights, gender-based violence and many other contemporary issues to ultimately support the fight towards equality among women and men.
CSC’s legal services ensure that FIDA is rightly equipped to reach out and extend a helping hand to the women of Cameroon. Furthermore, the legal protection provided by CSC gives confidence and assurance to women fighting for their rights. As reported by trusted sources, Cameroon and its regions possess the highest number of cases of gender-based violence. Legal aid is an invaluable resource through which women are empowered to be self-sustained and self-reliant. Additionally, it strengthens their rights and allows children to have a brighter, more enriching future.
A noteworthy example is that of Communauté Plan International (Plan International), a child rights organization advocating for girls’ rights and equality for all children. In this partnership, Plan International organized an event where FIDA provided training and legal education to girls, while CSC provided free legal advice to attendees. These measures empower and educate the younger generation of women, giving them defenders to protect their rights.
FIDA’s fight for women’s rights is also supported by the access of women in Cameroon to legal representation in courts, ensured by legal aid. The collusion between FIDA Cameroon and CSC has further reinforced their common interest to promote women’s empowerment, while creating an indelible mark for the rights of women. Such collaborations are a driving force for the propagation of this noble cause.
Online legal service has created wonders of convenience and made tensions ease when legal assistance is required. Women can utilize online legal services to gain understanding of their rights, consultation, and in some cases, direct representation. For instance, Tele lawyers is an online platform that provides free legal consultations through mobile applications. FIDAD in collaboration with CSC agreed to partner so that technology-supported legal tools are used to enable citizens and entrepreneurs to know their rights.
As we reflect on the accomplishments of FIDA Cameroon and CSC – Lawyers Incorporating Service Company – toward promoting women’s rights in Cameroon and Africa, collaboration is paramount in achieving greater impact. The schism of development can benefit from collaboration as it builds a solid foundation for sustainability.
For more information on women’s rights and legal aid, you can visit WomensLaw.org.