Ene Oshaba
The European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme of the International IDEA, has called on the federal government and all stakeholders to prioritize women’s rights and protection, especially for women with disabilities, those living in poverty, and victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), as part of efforts to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD).
It’s Project Manager Access to Justice, Oluwatoyosi Giwa, made the call Wednesday in Abuja while feilding questions from the media at the closing of the 2nd Annual Conference of State Ministries of Women Affairs held on the theme: Sub-national Policy and Practice for Enhancing Rights, Protection and Justice for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities, in commemoration of the International Women’s Day 2025.
Giwa emphasized the importance of not just enacting laws but also ensuring their effective implementation. She noted that while progress had been made in certain states, particularly in establishing Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SAC) and committees for child rights, challenges persist, especially in terms of funding and capacity.
“We want to see policies that are not just made on paper, but also backed by real financial commitment. Governments should allocate adequate budgets for the implementation of policies aimed at protecting women, children, and persons with disabilities. We must also ensure these policies reach the grassroots, benefiting even rural women who often face the greatest challenges,” Giwa stated.
“We are glad that several states have already taken steps in the right direction. However, there is still much to be done, and we call on state governments to show stronger commitment, particularly through budgeting for these essential initiatives,” she added.
A major concern raised during the conference was the need for more comprehensive efforts to prevent and address GBV, with many participants agreeing that more action is required in creating safer spaces for women, especially in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
Giwa called for more urgent action from both the federal and state governments to enhance the rights, protection, and access to justice for Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations. “This International Women’s Day, let us remember that true progress lies in not just making promises but in following through with concrete actions,” she concluded.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development in Enugu State, Mrs. Valentina Ngozi Enih, stressed the importance of inclusivity, particularly regarding persons with disabilities. She highlighted the cultural challenges women face, especially in Southeast Nigeria, and called for greater support and understanding from both the public and men.
“Our greatest challenge is not just funding but also changing deeply ingrained cultural attitudes that undermine women’s rights. In Enugu State, we have made progress in this regard, and we urge other states to follow suit,” Enih said.
On her part the Commissioner for Women Affairs in Benue State Anna Itodo, shared her commitment to addressing GBV, particularly within IDP camps. She spoke about efforts to provide secure shelters for displaced women and highlighted the need for stronger laws to combat sexual violence.
“In Benue State, we are working with the humanitarian ministry to build secure shelters for women in IDP camps. The governor is also focused on strengthening the legal framework to protect women against sexual violence,” Itodo shared.
Also, Mrs. Mary Sinjen, Commissioner for Women Affairs in Taraba State, expressed her confidence in the progress made in her state, particularly with the enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act. She emphasized the importance of policy implementation and urged women to support each other in achieving collective progress.
“We must ensure that policies are not just passed but effectively implemented. In Taraba, we are taking action against GBV and working on the domestication of important laws like the VAP law and the Women Empowerment Policy,” Sinjen stated.
As the conference drew to a close, participants emphasized the importance of collaboration and action in creating a more equitable and just society for women, children, and persons with disabilities.
The three-day conference brought together commissioners from all 36 states, civil society organizations, and policy makers to discuss and address critical issues surrounding the rights and protection of vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, and persons with disabilities.