By Justina Auta
UN Women has called on the Nigerian government to move beyond policy
commitments to concrete action protecting women’s rights, ensuring justice for
survivors of gender-based violence, and promoting sustainable development.
Ms Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS,
made the call at a news conference in Abuja ahead of the 2026 International
Women’s Day, themed “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women & Girls.”
Eyong highlighted alarmingly high levels of GBV in Nigeria, worsened by
technology-facilitated abuse online and limited access to justice for survivors in
courts and communities across the country.
She noted that women occupied just 3.9 per cent of parliamentary seats, among the
lowest globally, “severely limiting inclusive decision-making and hindering
Nigeria’s social, economic, and political progress.”
Eyong urged Nigeria to confront persistent gender inequality, describing it as “one
of the greatest human rights challenges and a key barrier to sustainable
development and peace when unaddressed.”
She called on government, civil society, the private sector, and traditional leaders
to accelerate reforms and investments dismantling gender barriers, stressing the
need to “move from plans to measurable impact.”
“Policies exist, but financing, enforcement, and sustainability remain the challenge.
Securing justice and rights for women strengthens Nigeria’s stability, prosperity,
and future,” she said, pledging UN Women’s commitment to partnership and
urgency.
According to her, UN Women advocates for the Special Seats for Women Bill,
promotes constitutional reforms for women’s participation in decision-making, and
supports a strengthened National Sexual Offender Database.
Eyong said UN Women also worked with traditional and religious leaders to
challenge harmful norms and impunity, advancing “zero tolerance for violence
against women” as emphasised by the UN Secretary-General.
She added that partnerships with financial institutions and the private sector were
unlocking funding for women-led businesses, community solutions, and women’s
participation in peace and security processes.
“To ensure sustainability, UN Women is helping the Ministry of Women Affairs
institutionalise Gender-Responsive Budgeting at federal and state levels,
prioritising “maternal health, girl-child education, women’s safety, and economic
empowerment.”
Eyong urged the media to spotlight women’s achievements, expose injustices,
challenge discriminatory norms, and hold institutions accountable, emphasising
their role in making “Rights, Justice, and Action” a reality for Nigerian women and
girls.
“We call on the media to use its powerful platform to shape narratives that advance
women’s rights, expose injustices, and hold institutions accountable.
“The media has a critical role in amplifying survivors’ voices, promoting women’s
leadership, and ensuring the national conversation keeps women and girls at the
center of public action.
“By telling the full story, accurately, responsibly, and consistently, the media can
help turn Rights, Justice, and Action into lived realities for every woman and girl
in Nigeria,” she emphasised.
