The UN Women has challenged the Nigerian government to stop making policy promises and begin taking concrete steps to protect women’s rights, ensure justice for victims of gender-based violence, and drive sustainable development.
The call was made by Beatrice Eyong during a news conference in Abuja ahead of the 2026 edition of International Women’s Day, which carries the theme: “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women & Girls.”
Eyong raised alarm over what she described as the disturbing level of gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria, warning that the situation is being worsened by technology-driven harassment and abuse on social media platforms.
According to her, many survivors still struggle to get justice due to weak enforcement of laws and barriers within courts and communities across the country.
She also pointed to the shocking under-representation of women in governance, revealing that women currently hold just 3.9 percent of seats in Nigeria’s parliament — one of the lowest figures globally.
“This severely limits inclusive decision-making and slows Nigeria’s social, economic and political progress,” she said.
Eyong described persistent gender inequality as one of the most pressing human rights challenges in Nigeria, warning that failure to address it would continue to undermine peace, stability, and development.
“Policies exist, but financing, enforcement and sustainability remain the challenge,” she said. “We must move from plans to measurable impact. Securing justice and rights for women strengthens Nigeria’s stability, prosperity and future.”
The UN Women representative urged the government, civil society organisations, private sector players, and traditional institutions to accelerate reforms and investments aimed at dismantling barriers that prevent women from thriving.
She revealed that UN Women is actively supporting several initiatives, including the Special Seats for Women Bill, constitutional reforms to boost women’s participation in governance, and the strengthening of the National Sexual Offender Database.
Eyong added that the agency is also working closely with traditional and religious leaders to challenge harmful cultural practices and promote zero tolerance for violence against women, a global campaign championed by the United Nations.
Beyond advocacy, she said UN Women is partnering with financial institutions and the private sector to unlock funding opportunities for women-led businesses, grassroots community solutions, and greater participation of women in peace and security processes.
“Real change,” she stressed, “will only come when commitments translate into visible action that protects every woman and girl.”
