The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for renewed commitment and concrete actions to advance and protect the rights of women and girls across Nigeria as the global community commemorates International Women’s Day.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, made the call while felicitating with Nigerian women and women around the world on the occasion of the 2026 celebration.
According to the Executive Secretary, the theme for this year’s commemoration, “Give to Gain,” is a reminder that the pursuit of gender equality must go beyond rhetoric to deliberate and sustained action aimed at dismantling barriers that hinder women and girls from fully enjoying their fundamental human rights.
He emphasized that investing in women through resources, education, and mentorship will create a stronger, more equitable society.
Dr. Ojukwu noted that the NHRC, in line with its statutory mandate to promote, protect and enforce the rights of all persons in Nigeria, remains firmly committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and girls across the country.
He explained that the Commission maintains a dedicated department responsible for issues relating to women and children, which over the years has received and handled numerous complaints bordering on sexual and gender-based violence, discrimination and other rights violations affecting women and girls.
Through mediation, investigation and other intervention mechanisms, the Commission has successfully resolved many of these cases, securing remedies for victims while promoting accountability and reinforcing respect for the dignity and rights of women.
The Executive Secretary expressed concern about the continued incidence of early and forced marriage in some communities, noting that the practice deprives girls of their childhood, denies them access to education and exposes them to significant health and socio-economic risks.
He further highlighted the low level of women’s representation in political and decision-making spaces, stressing that inclusive governance cannot be achieved without the meaningful participation of women.
He also noted that women often bear a disproportionate burden in situations of insecurity, conflict and displacement, where they are exposed to heightened risks of exploitation, violence and loss of livelihoods.
Advancing and investing on the rights of women, according to the learned Silk, is not only a moral responsibility but also a constitutional imperative and a key driver of sustainable development. He emphasized the need for stronger implementation of laws and policies designed to protect women and girls, while ensuring that survivors of rights violations have timely access to justice and effective remedies.
Dr. Ojukwu commended Nigerian women for their resilience, courage and invaluable contributions to national development across various sectors including governance, education, business, agriculture, security and community development.
“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, and where their rights and dignity are fully respected,” he said.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to continuing advocacy, monitoring and public engagement initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and strengthening the protection of the rights of women and girls in Nigeria.
International Women’s Day is commemorated globally every year on March 8 to celebrate the achievements of women and to advance the global movement for gender equality and the protection of the rights of women and girls.
Fatimah Agwai Mohammed,
Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages.
