By Angela Atabo
Government officials, international partners and policy experts have called for stronger action to protect women’s rights and expand their role in governance and peacebuilding.
The stakeholders made the call in Abuja on Wednesday at a one-day dialogue to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration.
The theme of the event was “Women’s Rights and Justice-Taking Action for Sustainable Peace”
The dialogue was organised by the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG), a UK funded programme, in collaboration with the Federal Ministries of Justice, Women Affairs and the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDs).
Mr Chris Okeke, Governance Team Lead at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, said sustainable peace would not be achieved without the inclusion of women and girls.
Okeke added that women’s inclusion was imperative to stability.
According to him, the theme of this year’s celebration reflects Nigeria’s current realities. Rights without justice lack credibility while justice without action has little impact.
He noted that excluding women and girls from decision-making processes undermines peace and development, particularly in conflict-affected communities.
“We are here today to mark the International Women’s Day as part of our strategic partnership with the Government of Nigeria protecting the rights of women and girls.
“We have heard here today the testimonies of women and community leaders from around the country, from Benue, Plateau, and we have seen the significant work that women are doing.
“This is in line with advocacy, in terms of governance, bringing women’s voice into community-based issues, also supporting women’s livelihood.”
Okeke said that in communal conflicts area, women have played great roles in bringing peace to communities, particularly engaging with community leaders, with government institutions and engaging with the judiciary.
“So, we think that this is very important going forward to create that space for women to be heard and to participate in governance, but above all, to create the space for communal peace in some of these conflict-affected regions.”
In his remarks, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, said sustainable peace and social stability were closely tied to the protection of women’s rights.
Fagbemi, who was represented by Ms Yewande Gbola-Awopetu, Head of Sexual and Gender-Based violence Response Unit, noted that Nigeria had strengthened legal frameworks aimed at protecting women and girls with key legislation.
According to the minister, the existence of laws alone is insufficient without proper implementation.
“The real measure of progress lies in effective implementation, accessible justice systems and coordinated action among stakeholders.”
Also speaking, Ukoha Ukiwo, Team Lead of the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria Programme, explained that the programme, funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, aimed to strengthen peacebuilding, security and resilience across Nigeria.
According to Ukiwo, the initiative operates at both federal and state levels, particularly in parts of North-West and North-Central Nigeria, bringing together government institutions and civil society groups to address drivers of insecurity.
He said the programme prioritised strengthening peace and justice institutions, addressing conflict drivers and promoting women’s participation in governance and peacebuilding.
He expressed hope that discussions from the event would generate practical steps to advance women’s rights, improve access to justice and encourage greater representation of women in governance ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, said security and development issues would not be addressed without including women at decision-making levels.
Represented by the Dr Emily Ikhide, Head, Gender and Inclusivity Unit, NILDS, Sulaiman noted that women made up nearly half of Nigeria’s population, adding that they should be involved in shaping policies that affect national security and development.
He also called for more women in political leadership roles, including at the local government level, arguing that grassroots women possess valuable insights into community challenges.
Mr Jonathan Dangyang, Chief Scribe, Jos South Traditional Council Bukuru, Gyel, said through SPRiNG’s effort, women now found themselves in leadership positions.
According to Dangyang, they own lands and properties among other things.
Similarly, Chief John Eimonye, the Paramount Ruler of Otukpo Kingdom, Benue, explained that men have begun empowering women to play roles in strengthening peace and in leadership positions.
Eimonye was represented by Chief Udeh Adole, a clan head and secretary of the kingdom.
(NAN)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
