In commemoration of International Women’s Day, ActionAid Nigeria has called on all tiers of government to prioritise women’s rights and empowerment, the organisation’s Nigeria Country Director, Andrew Mamedu said in a statement on Friday – yesterday, March 7 – in Abuja, the FCT.
International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 7, and the theme for 2025 is “Investing in Women, Accelerating Progress.”
In an action that contradicts the very tenets of IWD, the Nigerian Senate had on the even of the Day – on Thursday, March 6 – suspended Senator Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, stripping her of all rights as a Senator, including suspension her salaries for that period, following allegations of sexual harassment she levelled against the Senate president, Obong godswill Obot Akpabio.
Mamedu emphasised that prioritising women’s rights is not only a moral obligation but also an economic and social necessity.
“All tiers of government, Federal, State, and Local must take decisive action by implementing policies and programmes that create real and lasting impact for women and girls.
“Increased investments in gender-responsive public services are essential to ensuring women have equitable access to land ownership, financial inclusion, and decent work opportunities,” Mamedu stated.
Speaking on the theme, Mamedu highlighted that accelerating progress is not only a call to action but also a non-negotiable requirement for sustainable development, justice, and equity.
He identified women as the backbone of a nation’s economy, democracy, and communities.
“Women lead, innovate, and build. Yet, in Nigeria, we continue to witness systemic efforts to stifle women’s participation, particularly in male-dominated spaces.
“From governance to corporate leadership and civil society, women who challenge the status quo often face intimidation, harassment, and exclusion,” Mamedu said.
He pointed to recent examples, such as the resignation of Mojisola Meranda from the Lagos House of Assembly and the sexual harassment allegations raised by Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“These serve as stark reminders of the challenges women face in leadership.
“The federal and state governments must strengthen and enforce laws that protect women from gender-based violence, ensure swift and fair judicial processes for survivors, and eliminate barriers that hinder access to justice.
“Leadership structures must be comprehensively overhauled to enable women’s full and active participation in governance, policymaking, and economic development,” Mamedu stressed.
He also called for urgent institutional reforms to address sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse
