UN urges Nigeria to move from policy to action on women’s rights

International, Politics

Abuja, Nigeria (Agency Report) — March 7, 2026 — UN Women has urged the Nigerian government to move beyond policy commitments toward tangible actions that protect women’s rights, deliver justice for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) survivors, and promote sustainable national development.

Ms Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, made the call during a news conference ahead of the 2026 International Women’s Day, themed “Rights, Justice, Action for all Women & Girls.”

Eyong highlighted alarmingly high GBV cases in Nigeria, worsened in digital spaces where technology-facilitated abuse was increasing, compounded by poor access to justice for survivors in courts, communities, and informal dispute mechanisms.

She also noted that only 3.9 per cent of parliamentary seats were held by women, one of the lowest globally, limiting inclusive decision-making and hindering sustainable national progress and equitable governance.

Eyong urged Nigeria to confront the reality that gender inequality remained the greatest human rights challenge; yet addressing it was a powerful driver for sustainable development, peace, and social stability across the country.

“We call on government, civil society, private sector, traditional and religious leaders, and development partners to accelerate reforms and investments dismantling gender barriers at all levels in society and governance.

“Nigeria does not lack policies; the challenge is financing, enforcing, and sustaining them.

“We must move from commitments to implementation, and from plans to meaningful impact for women and girls.

“When we secure justice and rights for women, we secure Nigeria’s stability, prosperity, and future. UN Women stands ready, with urgency, partnership, and unwavering resolve, to advance Rights, Justice, and Action,” Eyong emphasised

According to her, UN Women has advocated for the Special Seats for Women Bill, pushing for constitutional reforms that guarantee women meaningful participation at the decision-making table across all governance levels.

She said they were supporting the Ministry of Women Affairs to expand and strengthen the National Sexual Offender Database, a vital accountability tool preventing perpetrators from moving undetected across states and communities.

Eyong explained that UN Women also worked closely with traditional and religious leaders to dismantle harmful norms sustaining impunity, advancing the Secretary-General’s call for zero tolerance and zero excuses for violence against women.

Beyond policy, she said, UN Women partnered with financial and private sectors to unlock funding for women-led businesses, community-based solutions, and strengthened women’s participation in peace, security, and governance processes across Nigeria.

“To ensure sustainability, UN Women works with the Ministry of Women Affairs to institutionalise Gender-Responsive Budgeting at federal and state levels, prioritising maternal health, girl-child education, women’s safety, and economic empowerment initiatives,” she stated.

On the media’s role, Eyong urged journalists to spotlight women’s realities, achievements, and aspirations, expose injustices, challenge discriminatory norms, and keep gender issues central to Nigeria’s public and policy discourse.

“We call on the media to use its platform to advance women’s rights, expose injustices, and hold institutions accountable.

“It must amplify survivors’ voices, promote women’s leadership, and keep women and girls central to public discourse.

“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. (NAN).