International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Ghana

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FIDA Ghana was set up in 1974 as an affiliate of the International Federation of Women Lawyers by a group of dedicated female Ghanaian lawyers committed to improving the situation of women and children and to strengthening their position in the overall developmental process of Ghana.

FIDA Ghana in furtherance of these objectives has been active since its inception in initiating and sponsoring the review of laws and traditional practices which negate the development and aspirations of women and children in the civil, educational and business fields.

FIDA Ghana in 1985 set up the first Legal Aid Programme in Ghana which has indigent women and children as primary targets. The services we offer at the Ghana FIDA Legal Aid Clinic range from free legal advice, arbitration and counselling to representation in court for indigent persons who cannot otherwise afford the services of a lawyer.

FIDA Ghana's educational programme takes the form of seminars, workshops, fora, discussions, and lectures, depending on the audience. Whatever form it takes, the aim is to bring the law in as simple a manner as possible to all sectors of the Ghanaian society including professionals, politicians, NGO's trade unions, churches, women's groups, traders, autonomous indigenous groups, traditional rulers, etc.

To enhance our legal educational programme, FIDA Ghana reduced some of the existing laws affecting the status of women and children into simple English first and then subsequently translated and printed them in four major Ghanaian languages namely: Dagbani, Ewe, Ga, and Akan for easy access and understanding by all Ghanaians.

FIDA Ghana's Legal Education booklets are continually used as resource material by FIDA members as well as members of other NGO's currently FIDA Ghana has translated and interpreted the laws on intestate succession, customary marriage and divorce, and wills and maintenance of children.

The need and demand for legal education and human rights awareness have been tremendous and the experience very satisfying. It is our aim to cover as many of the laws and international conventions as possible, funds and logistics permitting, because we believe that in our struggle for the uplifting of humankind, including in particular women and children, the part that education plays can never be overemphasised.