As the world commemorates International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, the National Women’s Platform on Security Sector Reforms and Governance joins voices with millions of women across Nigeria and beyond in advocating for meaningful legislative reforms that will enhance women's rights, security, and leadership in governance.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, underscores the urgency of taking decisive steps to remove systemic barriers that hinder women’s full participation in national development. It is in alignment with the National Women’s Platform goal, which is the Strengthening of Legislative Reforms for Women in Security, and Governance.
Women in Nigeria remain disproportionately affected by gender-based violence, political underrepresentation, and security threats, despite their undeniable contributions to national peace and development. The National Women’s Platform firmly asserts that sustainable progress in the security sector and governance cannot be achieved without targeted legislative reforms that guarantee equal rights, protection, and opportunities for women.
● We call on the Nigerian government to expedite the passage of critical gender-related bills, including the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill (GEOB), which seeks to eliminate discrimination and promote affirmative action for women’s participation in politics, security, and governance.
● We advocate for Enhanced Women’s Representation in Security and Governance. Women remain underrepresented in decision-making roles within security agencies, governance structures, and the judiciary. Legislative quotas and reforms that ensure a minimum of 35% representation in public office must be enacted and enforced to bridge this gap.
● We advocate for a Strengthening of Protection Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The rising cases of sexual violence, domestic abuse, and workplace harassment require urgent legislative action. The full implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and the review of outdated penal codes are crucial to ensuring justice for survivors and deterrence for perpetrators.
● We advocate for Economic Empowerment and Security for Women. Investing in women’s economic empowerment is directly linked to national security. Legislative reforms must prioritize access to credit, land ownership, and employment protections for women, ensuring their financial independence and resilience against socio-economic vulnerabilities.
As we mark this year’s International Women’s Day, the National Women’s Platform on Security Sector Reforms and Governance urges the Nigerian government, policymakers, civil society, and all stakeholders to take decisive steps toward legal reforms that will:
- Ensure women's safety and security in all spheres.
- Guarantee equal opportunities in governance and leadership.
- Strengthen legal protections against gender-based violence and discrimination.
- Drive sustainable economic and social development through women's inclusion.
Investing in women is not just an act of justice, it is an imperative for national progress. By enacting and enforcing legislative reforms that empower women, Nigeria can build a more just, secure, and prosperous society for all.
We remain committed to advocating for these reforms and call on all women to raise their voices, demand their rights, and push for policies that accelerate gender equality in Nigeria.
Signed:
Dr. Plangsat Dayil
National Focal Person, National Women’s Platform on Security Sector Reforms and Governance
For more inquiries, interviews, and further engagement, please send an
email to us via nationalwomenplatform@gmail.com
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