The National Human Rights Commission NHRC has appealed to the National Assembly NASS to effect quick passage of all pending gender laws to enhance women’s rights.
Speaking on Thursday, 6th of March, 2025 during the events marking the commemoration of the 2025 International Women’s Day, in Abuja, the Executive Secretary,National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Dr.Tony Ojukwu , SAN called on lawmakers at all levels to ensure speedy passage of all laws relating to the protection of women’s rights.
In his words “As we mark yet another IWD, we need to remember and honor the sacrifice of the 15,000 women who marched in New York City in 1908, advocating for better working conditions and the right to vote. Their legacy inspires our urgent call for change today.”
While urging stakeholders in the creative industry including filmmakers, musicians, content creators and leaders of thoughts such as religious leaders, and traditional rulers , Ojukwu urged them to challenge stereotypes and promote equality through their various works.
“Awareness creation and advocacy efforts are not sufficient. We need actionable measures to foster safe spaces for all women. Let us stop merely debating women’s rights and take proactive steps to ensure they are protected and enhanced,” he emphasized.
Also speaking at the event,Programme Officer of the National Council of Women Societies, Mrs. Nnenna Emedolibe emphasised that while advocacy and awareness are crucial, they must be backed up with concrete actions.
Emedolibe called for initiatives, including legislation, community support programmes, and training workshops.
In her words “These measures are vital in ensuring that women feel secure and empowered in their environments.
Also lending a voice at the event, business woman and National Vice President of Women in Mining Nigeria, Mrs. Regina Edzuwah, commended the Human Rights Commission for its role in championing women’s rights.
She highlighted the importance of empowering women across different sectors, advocating for equal opportunities, and addressing gender-based violence.
Mrs. Edzuwah advocated for collaboration between the Commission and relevant NGOs and other organizations to advance women’s rights.
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a holiday celebrated annually as a focal point in the women’s rights movement and it is observed on the 8th of March every year .
The theme of this year’s women’s day commemoration is: “Accelerate Action for all women and girls, Rights, Equality and empowerment.
Speech of the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu SAN
“Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and our remarkable women of Nigeria,
“As we gather today to commemorate International Women’s Day 2025, we find ourselves motivated by this year’s theme, “Accelerate Action.”
“For all women and girls, Rights, Equality and Empowerment”. At our current pace, we are caught up by the World Economic Forum, (WEF) Global, gender gap report 2022 which projected that gender parity may not be achieved for a further 132 years.This staggering statistics should be a grave concern to all well meaning people all over the world. As the issue of the respect for the rights of women is imperative to the progress, development and prosperity of any nation.
As we mark yet another IWD, we need to remember and honour the sacrifice of the 15,000 women who marched in New York City in 1908, advocating for better working conditions and the right to vote of women. Their legacy inspires our urgent call for change today.
It is obvious, despite efforts by the Nigerian government and other actors in the industry to promote laws, policies that support inclusion and safeguard of women’s rights in the past, there is still a wide gap between policy and implementation, making Nigerians journey toward gender equality a mere falacy especially with the notable decrease in women’s political representation and governance with each election year , thereby shutting women out of positions where major decisions are taken concerning their welfare and well being!! Thus, the 35% affirmative action is gradually becoming a difficult task to achieve for Nigerian women and a mere mirage. Nonetheless, we cannot ignore some laudable initiatives by the present government to alleviating poverty amongst women one of such is the ‘trader money which upgraded the businesses of alot of our market women across the country!we also applaud the efforts and leadership of some state governments especially Kwara State in promoting women’s rights by appointing a substantial number of them to appointed positions in governance, thereby enhancing our democracy.
The Commission has over the years supported women empowerment through our sustained collaboration with partners. It is instructive to note that empowerment remains a crucial step toward a more equitable society and must not be overlooked. Notable among interventions of the commissions in the protection of the rights of women , include several SGBV panels across the states and the FCT in a bid to hold perpetrators of SGBV accountable This is in addition to our day-to-day complaint treatment processes. The Commission has promoted several gender-related matters, showcased on national television, including “The Silent Prejudice,” a film discouraging the Osu caste system on AIT. Additionally, we carry out yearly 16 Days of Activism across the country to combat the ills of SGBV. We have also organized a number of press conferences to promote gender mainstreaming in all aspects of life. The Commission notes that its awareness and reporting mechanisms have improved, creating an environment where women feel safe to speak out. It is instructive to recognize that addressing gender-based violence (GBV) cannot be overemphasized, we must maintain our sustained efforts to address it holistically.
The Commission uses this opportunity to urge the legislators to pass all the outstanding gender laws before them to enhance women’s rights. We also use this medium to urge stakeholders including filmmakers, musicians, content creators, religious leaders and traditional leaders to challenge stereotypes and promote equality and inclusion through their works! Awareness creation and advocacy efforts is not sufficient , we need actionable measures to foster safe spaces for all women. Let us all stop merely Debating about women having rights and begin to take proactive steps to ensure that those rights are enhanced and protected!!
While we celebrate our achievements, we must acknowledge that these are merely the beginning. Strong policy advocacy is needed to ensure that women’s voices are amplified and their rights protected. The Commission is at the forefront of galvanizing stakeholders for the domestication of the Maputo Protocol, aimed at creating a more equitable egalitarian society for women.
Together, let us strive for a future where every woman in Nigeria; every girl, mother and leader can thrive. We must dismantle the barriers that hinder progress through our renewed commitment to uplift silenced voices especially of women.
Our collective action taken today, will lay the groundwork for a future that honours the invaluable contributions of women in Nigeria. I thank you all for your commitment and belief in the transformative power of women. Let us make 2025 a turning point in our pursuit of gender equality.
Happy International Women’s Day 2025!
Thank you.
