By George Ozalla
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for stronger commitment and concrete measures to advance and safeguard the rights of women and girls across Nigeria as the world marks the 2026 celebration of International Women’s Day.
The call was made by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, who extended goodwill to Nigerian women and women across the world while reflecting on the significance of the global observance.
Ojukwu said the theme of this year’s commemoration, Give to Gain, highlights the urgent need to move beyond rhetoric and adopt deliberate and sustained actions aimed at removing barriers that prevent women and girls from fully enjoying their fundamental human rights. He noted that meaningful investment in women through access to education, resources and mentorship would not only empower them but also contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society.
According to a press statement signed by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the Commission, the Executive Secretary stressed that the Commission remains firmly committed to promoting, protecting and enforcing the rights and dignity of women and girls across the country in line with its statutory mandate.
He explained that the Commission operates a dedicated department responsible for issues concerning women and children, which over the years has received and addressed numerous complaints involving sexual and gender based violence, discrimination and other forms of rights violations affecting women and girls.
Through mediation, investigation and other intervention mechanisms, the Commission has resolved many of these cases, securing remedies for victims while promoting accountability and strengthening respect for the dignity and rights of women.
Ojukwu expressed concern over the persistent cases of early and forced marriage in some communities, noting that such practices rob young girls of their childhood, deny them access to education and expose them to serious health and socio economic risks. He also drew attention to the low level of women’s participation in political and decision making processes, stressing that inclusive governance cannot be achieved without the active involvement of women.
He further observed that women often bear a disproportionate burden in situations of insecurity, conflict and displacement, where they face heightened risks of exploitation, violence and loss of livelihoods.
The human rights advocate maintained that advancing and investing in the rights of women is not only a moral obligation but also a constitutional responsibility and a critical driver of sustainable development. He called for stronger enforcement of laws and policies designed to protect women and girls and urged authorities to ensure that survivors of rights violations have timely access to justice and effective remedies.
Ojukwu also commended Nigerian women for their resilience and contributions to national development across sectors including governance, education, business, agriculture, security and community development, while reiterating the need for a society where every woman and girl can live free from violence, discrimination and fear.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to sustained advocacy, monitoring and public engagement initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and strengthening the protection of the rights of women and girls across Nigeria.
International Women’s Day is commemorated globally every year on March 8 to celebrate the achievements of women and to promote the advancement of gender equality and the protection of the rights of women and girls worldwide.
