The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called for urgent and transformative reforms in Nigeria’s laws, policies and institutional practices to advance the rights and participation of women and girls.

The Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Auwal Rafsanjani, said recent developments suggested a troubling backslide on progress previously made in promoting gender equality.

Mr Rafsanjani made the remarks in a statement on Sunday in Abuja to commemorate the International Women’s Day.

He said that though awareness of gender equality had improved over the years, structural inequalities, discrimination and limited representation of women in decision-making positions continued to undermine women’s participation in democratic and development processes.

Mr Rafsanjani stressed that Nigeria must move beyond symbolic commitments and adopt deliberate gender transformation policies to address gaps in existing laws, policies and justice systems affecting women’s rights and opportunities.

According to him, without concrete reforms in governance and legal frameworks, the progress recorded in advancing women’s rights risks being reversed.

He also expressed concern over what he described as the lack of commitment by political parties to gender inclusion.

Mr Rafsanjani noted that the absence of strong affirmative action measures within party structures continued to restrict women’s access to elective and appointive positions.

He further highlighted the economic marginalisation faced by many Nigerian women, noting that limited access to credit facilities, financial services and productive resources had contributed to what he described as “double poverty and exploitation.”

He stated, “Improving women’s economic empowerment through better access to financial opportunities remains critical to achieving inclusive growth and sustainable national development.”

The CISLAC also raised the alarm over persistent cases of gender-based violence across the country, including attacks, kidnappings, harassment and other forms of abuse targeting women and girls.

Mr Rafsanjani called on government authorities and law enforcement agencies to strengthen accountability mechanisms and ensure justice for victims.

He acknowledged the resilience and contributions of Nigerian women across sectors such as governance, business, education, healthcare and community leadership.

He stressed the need for stronger institutional commitment to dismantle systemic barriers limiting women’s advancement.

He urged government institutions, political parties, civil society organisations and the private sector to collaborate in strengthening legal protections, reforming policies and creating inclusive economic opportunities that promote gender equality in Nigeria.

Mr Rafsanjani reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and inclusive governance, while continuing to advocate policies that guarantee the rights, dignity and participation of women and girls in the country’s development. 

(NAN)