The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has organised a town hall sensitisation programme in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory to commemorate the International Women’s Day 2026, called for stronger action to protect and advance the rights of women and girls.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, said International Women’s Day is not only a time to celebrate the achievements and resilience of women around the world but also an opportunity to reflect on the persistent challenges they continue to face.
Ojukwu, who was represented by the Director of the Women and Children Department, Mrs. Ngozi Okore, noted that the theme of this year’s celebration, “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” underscores the need for deliberate steps to address barriers confronting women in many communities.
According to him, women and girls still grapple with issues such as gender-based violence, discrimination, limited access to justice and socio-economic inequalities.
“These challenges call for deliberate and sustained action from governments, institutions, communities and individuals,” he said.
The senior advocate reaffirmed that the Commission, as Nigeria’s national human rights institution, remains committed to promoting, protecting and enforcing the rights of all persons, particularly vulnerable groups including women and girls.
Ojukwu explained that the town hall meeting was designed to provide a platform for dialogue, awareness and engagement among stakeholders to discuss practical ways of advancing the rights of women and girls.
Traditional rulers who attended the programme commended the initiative and called for more regular sensitisation exercises to deepen awareness of human rights issues at the grassroots level.
The Esu of Bwari, who was represented at the forum by Mai Anguwa, FCDA Quarters, Zakwoi Ibrahim, expressed delight at participating in the sensitisation programme, noting that it would go a long way in educating the people about their rights.
Similarly, the Youth President of Bwari Area Council, Comrade Dr. Awoyi Bwari, commended the NHRC for organising the town hall, saying the programme would help raise human rights awareness among both men and women in the community.
Representatives of women organisations, including faith-based groups and market associations, also attended the event and pledged their support towards promoting and protecting human rights, particularly the rights and welfare of women and girls in their communities.
