By George Ozalla
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has organized a town hall sensitisation programme in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day, with a call for stronger and more coordinated action to promote and protect the rights of women and girls across communities.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, OFR, said the global observance of International Women’s Day offers not only an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, resilience and contributions of women, but also a moment to reflect on the persistent barriers many women and girls continue to face in society.
Ojukwu, who was represented at the programme by the Director of the Commission’s Women and Children Department, Mrs Ngozi Okore, noted that the theme for this year’s celebration, Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls, highlights the need for deliberate and practical measures aimed at dismantling the structural and social obstacles confronting women in many communities.
According to him, despite progress recorded in various areas, women and girls still face numerous challenges including gender based violence, discrimination, socio economic inequalities and limited access to justice.
He stressed that addressing these challenges requires sustained commitment from government institutions, community leaders, civil society organisations and individuals.
The NHRC boss explained that as Nigeria’s national human rights institution, the Commission remains firmly committed to promoting, protecting and enforcing the rights of all persons, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and girls.
He added that the town hall meeting was designed as an interactive platform to encourage dialogue, deepen awareness and engage stakeholders at the grassroots level on practical ways to strengthen the protection of women’s rights.
According to him, community engagement remains essential in building a culture of respect for human rights and ensuring that women and girls are able to live free from discrimination, abuse and social exclusion.
Traditional rulers who attended the event commended the Commission for bringing the sensitisation programme to the grassroots, noting that such initiatives help improve public understanding of human rights issues and empower communities with knowledge about their rights and responsibilities.
The Esu of Bwari, who was represented at the forum by the Mai Anguwa of FCDA Quarters, Zakwoi Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to the Commission for organising the town hall programme in the community. He noted that the sensitisation exercise would help educate residents on the importance of respecting the rights and dignity of women and girls.
Also speaking, the Youth President of Bwari Area Council, Comrade Dr Awoyi Bwari, commended the NHRC for creating a platform that allows community members to discuss human rights issues affecting both men and women.
He observed that the engagement would contribute to raising awareness and encouraging greater respect for human rights within the community.
Representatives of several women organisations, including faith based groups and market associations, also participated in the programme and pledged their commitment to support initiatives aimed at promoting and protecting human rights, particularly the welfare and dignity of women and girls in their communities.
