The Junior Chamber International Abuja Prestige has called on the Federal Government to strengthen the institutional and legal frameworks to protect the rights of women and girls across the country.

The call was made by the chapter’s president, Joel Uwabor, on Sunday during the organisation’s general assembly, held alongside activities marking International Women’s Day.

Mr Uwabor said that while some progress had been made in advancing women’s rights in Nigeria, significant gaps remained that required urgent government attention and deliberate policy action.

According to him, protecting the rights of women and girls should not be seen as optional but as a national priority that directly impacts the country’s social and economic development.

He stressed that women remain the bedrock of society, noting that no nation can achieve sustainable growth if half of its population continues to face systemic barriers and discrimination.

Mr Uwabor added that the general assembly was significant, as it coincided with the global celebration of International Women’s Day, a platform for reflecting on progress made and charting pathways for greater inclusion.

He restated the need for improved access to justice for women, especially those in vulnerable situations, noting that many still face challenges in seeking redress due to weak enforcement of existing laws.

Mr Uwabor further called on state governments that were yet to enact or strengthen gender-protective laws to take urgent steps in that direction. He noted that societal structures often disadvantage women, creating unequal opportunities and limiting their potential in various sectors.

The JCI president also urged authorities to ensure that perpetrators of gender-based violations are held accountable, stressing that justice must be seen to be served to deter future abuses.

He encouraged women to remain resilient and proactive, urging them to take advantage of opportunities, develop their capacities, and assert their rightful place in society.

Joyce Lawrence, a member of the JCI senate caucus, said the organisation, as a leadership platform, shares the concerns and challenges facing women in Nigeria.

Ms Lawrence described International Women’s Day as a critical moment for reflection, advocacy, and renewed commitment to advancing gender equality. She said the 2026 celebration was designed not only to highlight the struggles women face but also to identify practical solutions and pathways for addressing them.

She stressed the importance of investing in women’s empowerment through education, skills acquisition, and economic opportunities, noting that such investments have multiplier effects on families and communities.

According to her, empowering women economically also contributes to improved healthcare access and better living standards.

Irene Ikyegh, president of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria, urged JCI to sustain its advocacy efforts and play a more active role in promoting women’s political participation.

Ms Ikyegh, who served as the guest speaker at the event, said youth-led organisations like JCI have a strategic role to play in shaping public discourse and influencing policy direction.

She noted that increasing women’s representation in governance remains critical to achieving inclusive, balanced decision-making.

According to her, the organisation’s commitment to rights, justice, and action aligns with the broader goal of building a fair and equitable society.

She urged stakeholders to move from advocacy to action, ensuring that commitments made towards gender equality are translated into measurable outcomes.

(NAN)