WARDC Urges Stronger Protection for Nigerian Women and Girls

The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre has called for renewed efforts to build a just, inclusive and gender-equal society in Nigeria. In a statement issued on Thursday, WARDC Executive Director Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi said the rights and safety of women must remain central to the country’s democratic development. She said independence remained an “unfinished promise” for millions of Nigerian women and girls because of persistent discrimination, gender-based violence, unsafe environments, unequal access to healthcare and education, economic exclusion and barriers to participation.

Akiyode-Afolabi also highlighted technology-facilitated abuse and called for online civic spaces where women and girls can participate without cyberstalking, harassment or image-based abuse. She said women could not effectively demand public services, challenge harmful practices, participate in decision-making or monitor government commitments when relevant information was inaccessible, delayed or withheld. The executive director urged effective implementation of the Freedom of Information Act.

She said civil society groups could use the law to seek answers from public institutions, document responses, analyse evidence, advocate for change and follow up on government commitments. WARDC called on governments at all levels, civil society organisations, the private sector, the media and development partners to work together to create systems supporting women and girls. Akiyode-Afolabi said independence should translate into freedom, safety, dignity, healthcare and equal opportunities, particularly for women and girls.