The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for stronger and more deliberate actions to safeguard the rights of women and girls in Nigeria, warning that harmful practices and systemic barriers continue to undermine gender equality.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu ( SAN) made the call on Sunday as the world marked International Women’s Day, urging governments, institutions and communities to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to address challenges confronting women and girls.
Ojukwu said the theme for the 2026 celebration, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” highlights the urgent need for sustained efforts to dismantle obstacles that prevent women and girls from fully enjoying their fundamental human rights.
According to him, the Commission remains committed to promoting and protecting the dignity and rights of women across the country in line with its statutory mandate.
He noted that the NHRC operates a dedicated department focusing on issues affecting women and children, which has handled numerous complaints relating to sexual and gender-based violence, discrimination and other rights violations.
The Commission, he said, has resolved many of the cases through mediation, investigations and other intervention mechanisms, securing remedies for victims while promoting accountability.
The human rights body, however, expressed concern over the continued prevalence of early and forced marriages in some communities, warning that the practice deprives girls of education, exposes them to serious health risks and limits their future opportunities.
Ojukwu also lamented the low representation of women in political and decision-making positions, stressing that meaningful and inclusive governance cannot be achieved without stronger participation of women.
He further noted that women are often among the most vulnerable in situations of insecurity, conflict and displacement, where they face heightened risks of violence, exploitation and economic hardship.
According to him, advancing the rights of women is not only a moral obligation but also a constitutional requirement and a critical factor for sustainable development.
He therefore urged authorities to strengthen the implementation of existing laws and policies protecting women and girls while ensuring that survivors of rights violations have timely access to justice and effective remedies.
Ojukwu also commended Nigerian women for their resilience and contributions to national development in areas such as governance, education, business, agriculture and community leadership.
“As we commemorate International Women’s Day, we must reaffirm our collective commitment to building a society where every woman and girl can live free from violence, discrimination and fear,” he said.
The NHRC reiterated its commitment to intensifying advocacy, monitoring and public engagement initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and strengthening protection for women and girls across Nigeria.
International Women’s Day is observed globally every March 8 to celebrate the achievements of women and promote the advancement of gender equality worldwide.
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