By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for renewed commitment and practical actions to advance and protect the rights of women and girls across Nigeria as the world marks International Women’s Day.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, made the call while felicitating with Nigerian women and women globally during the 2026 celebration of the annual event, the statement signed by the Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed made available to Precise Post on Sunday said.
Ojukwu noted that the theme for this year’s commemoration, “Give to Gain,” serves as a reminder that achieving gender equality requires more than rhetoric.
According to him, it demands deliberate and sustained efforts to dismantle barriers preventing women and girls from fully enjoying their fundamental human rights. He emphasized that investing in women through access to resources, education and mentorship would lead to a stronger and more equitable society.
The NHRC Executive Secretary stated that the Commission, in line with its statutory mandate to promote, protect and enforce the rights of all persons in Nigeria, remains committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and girls nationwide.
According to him, the Commission operates a dedicated department that handles issues affecting women and children. Over the years, the department has received and addressed numerous complaints relating to sexual and gender-based violence, discrimination and other rights violations against women and girls.
Through mediation, investigations and other intervention mechanisms, Ojukwu said the Commission has resolved many of the cases brought before it, securing remedies for victims while promoting accountability and respect for the rights and dignity of women.
He, however, expressed concern over the persistent cases of early and forced marriages in some communities, noting that the practice deprives girls of their childhood, denies them access to education and exposes them to serious health and socio-economic risks.
Ojukwu also highlighted the low representation of women in political and decision-making positions, stressing that inclusive governance cannot be achieved without the meaningful participation of women.
He further observed that women often bear a disproportionate burden during periods of insecurity, conflict and displacement, where they face increased risks of exploitation, violence and loss of livelihoods.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria said advancing and investing in women’s rights is not only a moral obligation but also a constitutional requirement and a key driver of sustainable development. He therefore called for stronger implementation of laws and policies designed to protect women and girls and ensure that survivors of rights violations have timely access to justice and effective remedies.
Ojukwu commended Nigerian women for their resilience, courage and significant contributions to national development across sectors including governance, education, business, agriculture, security and community development.
“As we commemorate International Women’s Day, we must reaffirm our collective commitment to building a society where every woman and girl can live free from violence, discrimination and fear, and where their rights and dignity are fully respected,” he said.
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 in Nigeria.
Precise Post recalls that the International Women’s Day is observed globally on March 8 each year to celebrate the achievements of women and promote the advancement of gender equality and the protection of women’s rights
