ActionAid has called on all tiers of government to prioritise women’s rights and empowerment.

ActionAid Nigeria Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, made the call in a statement on Friday in Abuja to commemorate the International Women’s Day.

The day is celebrated annually on March 7, and the theme for 2025 is “Investing in Women, Accelerating Progress.”

Mr Mamedu emphasised that prioritising women’s rights was not just a moral obligation but an economic and social necessity.

He said, “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. ‘’

Speaking on the theme, Mr Mamedu highlighted that accelerating progress was not only a call to action but a non-negotiable requirement for sustainable development, justice, and equity.

He identified women as the backbone of the 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,” Mr Mamedu said.

He pointed to recent examples, such as the resignation of Mojisola Meranda as speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly.

He also mentioned the sexual harassment allegations raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi Central).

“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,” Mr Mamedu stressed.

He also called for urgent institutional reforms to address sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse.

(NAN)