LAPO Promotes Human Rights, Grants 2,017 Women Free Legal Aid 

Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) promotes all-round progress for women and gives voice to the voiceless and the poor in society. Since 1987, the organization has been defending the rights of abused and violated women in Nigeria through pro bono service.

In 2019, LAPO granted 88 vulnerable women including those who were abused and violated free legal intervention and generally sensitized 2,764 persons on legal issues across the country.

Head of Legal Unit, Barr. Vera Asenoguan who denounced the humiliating and barbaric treatment women are often subjected especially at the demise of their spouses encouraged women to stand up for their rights always.

She expressed worry that most of the rights as enshrined in the constitution such as the rights to the dignity of the human person, freedom from discrimination, right to life, right to a fair hearing and freedom to own and inherit property are still being violated with impunity in Nigeria.

Barr. Asenoguan emphasized that it was offensive and unconstitutional to subject women to any form of abuse under the guise of religious or customary practices, adding that those perpetrating violence against their spouses now risks jail terms in Edo State.

She restated LAPO’s commitment to building the capacity of women to challenge and resist socio-cultural practices and structures that encourage injustice and discrimination against them even as she advised women to participate actively in decision-making that will determine the future of their families and society.

February 6, 2020

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