By Philomina Attah
The UN Women has said that lack of access to timely and accurate information is limiting women’s participation in governance, economic empowerment and protection from violence, particularly in rural communities.
Dr Suzan Agada, National Programme Officer, Women in Leadership and Decision Making, UN Women Nigeria, said this in Abuja on Monday.
She spoke at the launch of the Inform Women, Transform Lives Campaign and Community Information and Advocacy Forum organised by Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum was organised to commemorate the International Day for Universal Access to Information.
Agada, who was represented by Ms Adek Bassey, Public Health Professional, said access to information was not merely a governance principle but a powerful enabler of accountability, citizen participation and sustainable development.
“For women and girls, access to information is especially transformative. It opens pathways to education, economic opportunities, political participation, justice, and protection from violence.
“Yet many women, particularly those in rural and underserved communities, continue to face barriers to obtaining and using critical information that affects their lives and livelihoods,” she said.
Agada said access to information must be viewed as a gender equality and development imperative, not just a governance issue.
She warned that when institutions work in silos, citizens are left behind, while collaboration strengthens transparency, builds trust and makes public services more responsive.
She called for investment in integrated systems that promote information sharing, harmonised data management, digital innovation and inclusive communication, to ensure digital transformation does not widen inequalities for women, youth and persons with disabilities.
“For UN Women, access to information is closely linked to women’s leadership, political participation, economic empowerment, and peacebuilding.
“Women cannot effectively participate in governance processes, engage in public decision-making, or claim their rights without access to timely, accurate and accessible information,” she said.
Agada urged stakeholders to commit to three priorities: strengthening institutional coordination for information management, promoting inclusive and gender-responsive access to information, and leveraging partnerships and technology to expand transparency and citizen engagement.
“Access to information is ultimately about power, participation and inclusion. It is about ensuring that every citizen, regardless of gender, location or circumstance, has the opportunity to engage meaningfully in shaping the future of their community and country,” she said.
Earlier, the Chairman of AMAC, Mr Christopher Maikalangu, said AMAC would take ownership of the campaign and cascade it to rural communities through traditional rulers and local authorities.
Maikalangu who was represented by his Vice Chairman, Mohammed Nadabo said the council would also extend the campaign to the other five area councils in the FCT in his capacity as FCT ALGON Chairman.
“When we inform a woman, we empower her. When we empower a woman, we strengthen her family. And when we strengthen her family, we transform communities and society at large,” he said.
Also speaking, the Divisional Head, Social Welfare and Gender, AMAC, Mrs Aisha Yusuf, said GBV thrives in silence and ignorance because many women do not know where to seek help.
Yusuf said AMAC has a gender unit offering counselling services, but many women at the grassroots are unaware of it.
“When people don’t know, they will keep on facing violence. But when you know, you have the power. Information makes women to be powerful,” she said.
The Programme Manager of Brain Act Ltd., Mr Wisdom Hanson, said the one-year campaign, funded by the Carter Center, would use radio, television, billboards and peer-to-peer community engagement to reach women.
NAN also reports that the campaign will run through key observances including the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, International Youth Day and International Women’s Day.(NAN)
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi
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