As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in rape cases and other forms of gender-based violence (GBV) across the country.
The Executive Secretary of NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, described the situation as worrisome, stated that the surge in such crimes undermined the dignity and human rights of women and girls.
“The rising cases of rape, wife abandonment, and other gender-based violence reported to the Commission are deeply disturbing. These heinous acts create a culture of fear, silence, and impunity, preventing victims from seeking justice,” Ojukwu said.
He noted that this year’s IWD theme, “Accelerate Action,” reinforced the urgent need to strengthen legal frameworks, ensure swift prosecution of offenders, and provide adequate resources for victims’ support services.
Ojukwu called on the government to fully implement policies protecting women’s rights, while also urging law enforcement agencies to treat GBV cases with urgency and professionalism.
“The government must do more to protect women. Law enforcement must prioritize the investigation and prosecution of rape and GBV cases to ensure perpetrators are held accountable,” he stressed.
He further appealed to community leaders to address harmful social norms that enable violence against women, advocating for a culture of respect, equality, and non-violence. Additionally, he urged the media to report gender-based violence cases responsibly, avoiding sensationalism while protecting the dignity of victims.
“The NHRC remains committed to promoting and protecting women’s rights, ensuring access to justice, and supporting victims of gender-based violence. We urge all stakeholders to join us in this critical fight,” Ojukwu added.
International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, served as a global platform to highlight the achievements of women and advocate for gender equality. However, the rising cases of sexual and domestic violence in Nigeria have cast a shadow over this year’s celebration, underscoring the need for immediate and sustained action.
