Group urges Nigerian govt to prioritise women’s rights, safety

As Nigeria marks its 66th independence anniversary, the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) has called for renewed commitment to building a just, inclusive and gender-equal society.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the organisation’s Executive Director, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, said the rights and safety of women must remain central to Nigeria’s democratic development.

She also highlighted the need to address technology-facilitated abuse and protect online civic spaces where women and girls participate in public discourse.

Mrs Akiyode-Afolabi said independence remained an “unfinished promise” for millions of Nigerian women and girls because of persistent discrimination, gender-based violence, unsafe environments, unequal access to healthcare and education, economic exclusion and barriers to participation.

“Recent engagements by WARDC have reinforced the need to place women and girls at the centre of conversations about Nigeria’s democratic development and accountability,” she said.

Digital safety

Mrs Akiyode-Afolabi said women and girls should be able to participate, organise and lead in digital spaces without being subjected to cyberstalking, harassment or image-based abuse.

She also stressed the importance of access to information and the effective implementation of the Freedom of Information Act in promoting government accountability.

“Women cannot effectively demand services, challenge harmful practices, participate in public decision-making or monitor government commitments when relevant information is inaccessible, delayed or withheld,” she said.

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She said civil society organisations had an important role to play in using the Freedom of Information framework to demand answers from public institutions, document responses, analyse evidence, advocate for change, seek appropriate remedies and follow up on government commitments.

Mrs Akiyode-Afolabi urged governments at all levels, civil society organisations, the private sector, the media and development partners to work together to create systems that support women and girls.

She said Nigeria’s independence should translate into tangible freedom, safety, dignity, healthcare and equal opportunities for all citizens, particularly women and girls.