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 world marks International Women’s Day 2026.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, made the call in a message to commemorate the global celebration, urging stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and take deliberate steps toward achieving gender equality.
Ojukwu said the theme of this year’s commemoration, “Give to Gain,” underscores the need for sustained investment in women through education, mentorship, resources, and opportunities, noting that such efforts would create a stronger and more equitable society.
According to him, the NHRC remained firmly committed to its statutory mandate of promoting, protecting and enforcing the rights of all persons in Nigeria, particularly women and girls who continue to face various forms of rights violations.
He explained that the Commission operates a dedicated department responsible for issues affecting women and children, which has over the years received and addressed numerous complaints relating to sexual and gender-based violence, discrimination and other forms of abuse.
Through mediation, investigations and other intervention mechanisms, the Commission, he said, has resolved several cases, securing remedies for victims while promoting accountability and respect for the dignity and rights of women.
The Executive Secretary also expressed concern over the persistence of early and forced marriages in some communities, noting that the practice deprives girls of their childhood, denies them access to education and exposes them to serious health and socio-economic risks.
He further highlighted the low representation of women in political and decision-making spaces, stressing that inclusive governance cannot be achieved without meaningful participation of women.
Ojukwu added that women often bear a disproportionate burden during situations of insecurity, conflict and displacement, where they face heightened risks of exploitation, violence and loss of livelihoods.
The senior advocate emphasized that advancing the rights of women is not only a moral obligation but also a constitutional responsibility and a key driver of sustainable development. He called 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.
Ojukwu commended Nigerian women for their resilience and contributions to national development across 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 sustained advocacy, monitoring and public engagement aimed at promoting gender equality and strengthening the protection of the rights of women and girls in Nigeria.
International Women’s Day is celebrated globally on March 8 each year to recognise the achievements of women and advance the global movement for gender equality.
