World body calls on Nigeria to turn plans into concrete steps

The Nigerian government has been urged by UN Women to transition from mere policy commitments to tangible actions that safeguard women's rights, deliver justice to survivors of gender-based violence, and foster sustainable development.

Ms Beatrice Eyong, the UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, made this appeal during a news conference in Abuja, ahead of the 2026 International Women’s Day, which is themed “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women & Girls.”

Eyong drew attention to the alarmingly high levels of gender-based violence in Nigeria, which have been exacerbated by technology-facilitated abuse online and the limited access to justice for survivors in courts and communities nationwide.

She noted that women hold a mere 3.9 per cent of parliamentary seats in Nigeria, a proportion that is among the lowest globally, and this severely restricts inclusive decision-making, hindering the country's social, economic, and political progress.

Eyong emphasized that Nigeria must confront the persistent gender inequality, which she described as “one of the greatest human rights challenges and a key barrier to sustainable development and peace when unaddressed.”

She called upon the government, civil society, the private sector, and traditional leaders to accelerate reforms and investments, dismantling gender barriers, and stressing the need to “move from plans to measurable impact.”

Eyong stated that while policies exist, the challenge lies in financing, enforcement, and sustainability, and she asserted that securing justice and rights for women is essential to strengthening Nigeria's stability, prosperity, and future.

UN Women, according to Eyong, is committed to partnership and urgency, and she pledged the organization's support in this endeavor.

Eyong highlighted that 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.

She also mentioned that UN Women collaborates with traditional and religious leaders to challenge harmful norms and impunity, advancing “zero tolerance for violence against women” as emphasized by the UN Secretary-General.

Partnerships with financial institutions and the private sector, Eyong added, are helping to unlock funding for women-led businesses, community solutions, and women's participation in peace and security processes.

To ensure sustainability, UN Women is assisting the Ministry of Women Affairs in institutionalizing Gender-Responsive Budgeting at federal and state levels, prioritizing areas such as ‘maternal health, girl-child education, women’s safety, and economic empowerment.

Eyong urged the media to highlight women's achievements, expose injustices, challenge discriminatory norms, and hold institutions accountable, emphasizing their crucial role in making “Rights, Justice, and Action” a reality for Nigerian women and girls.

She called on the media to utilize its powerful platform to shape narratives that advance women's rights, expose injustices, and hold institutions accountable, emphasizing that this is essential to turning “Rights, Justice, and Action” into lived realities for every woman and girl in Nigeria.

By accurately, responsibly, and consistently telling the full story, Eyong stressed, the media can help amplify survivors' voices, promote women's leadership, and ensure that the national conversation keeps women and girls at the center of public action.