UN urges Nigeria to move from policy to action

2026-03-06 - 13:26

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. Vanguard News