By The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Federal Government and state authorities to adopt stronger protections and more inclusive policies for women as the world marks the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 on March 8.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the organisation said this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” reflects the significant role women play in sustaining families, communities and the wider economy despite the challenges they face.
CAPPA noted that women across Nigeria continue to manage household resources, provide care for children and relatives, and support family livelihoods, especially amid difficult economic conditions.
Despite their contributions, the organisation said many women and girls still lack access to essential services such as safe water, sanitation, healthcare and education, which it described as critical to ensuring a dignified life.
The group also raised concern over the persistence of gender-based violence, citing data from the National Population Commission of Nigeria’s Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey indicating that about 31 percent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, while about 9 percent have suffered sexual violence at some point in their lives.
CAPPA added that more than 10,326 cases of gender-based violence were reported in the country between January and September 2025, noting that the growing incidents of femicide have prompted civil society groups to call for stronger prevention and accountability measures.
The organisation further highlighted economic inequality and the low representation of women in political leadership, noting that women currently occupy about 3.9 percent of legislative seats in Nigeria’s National Assembly of Nigeria, one of the lowest levels globally.
CAPPA has therefore urged government at all levels to increase investment in public services, strengthen laws against gender-based violence, expand economic opportunities for women and support legislative reforms such as the proposed Special Seats for Women Bill to improve women’s representation in governance.
“As we reflect on the theme “Give to Gain”, true progress for Nigeria lies in recognising and reciprocating the contributions of its women. Investing in women’s rights remains fundamental to building a just and sustainable future for all Nigerians,” the organisation said.
