A woman walks into a police station in Nigeria to report abuse. She is told to come back later.
A girl gathers the courage to speak about violence against her and is advised to remain silent.
A survivor enters a courtroom carrying both trauma and hope, uncertain which one will leave with her.
As the world marks International Women’s Day 2026, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria says these stories are not rare exceptions. they are everyday realities for many women and girls seeking justice across the country.
And the organization is warning that unless urgent reforms are implemented, the promise of rights, justice, and protection for millions of Nigerian women will remain little more than words on paper.
In a statement released to mark the global event, FIDA Nigeria said that across the country, countless women and girls seeking justice for abuse and violence are still confronted with delays, silence, and institutional barriers.
A Call for Enforcement, Not Symbolism
FIDA Nigeria said this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Rights, Justice and Action for All Women and Girls” must go beyond ceremonial declarations.
Instead, the organization urged authorities to focus on enforcement, accountability, and measurable progress in protecting women’s rights.
“Justice must not depend on geography, income, ethnicity, disability, or social status,” the group stated.
“Every woman and girl is entitled to dignity, safety, and equality before the law.”
‘Justice Must Move at the Speed of Urgency’
Speaking on the significance of the day, Elina Martins, Country Vice President of International Federation of Women Lawyers Nigeria, said the celebration must not become symbolic while survivors continue to navigate a justice system that often fails them.
“International Women’s Day must not be reduced to celebration while many women continue to navigate broken systems. Justice must move at the speed of urgency, not bureaucracy,” she said.
Survivors Still Face Barriers
According to FIDA Nigeria, survivors of gender-based violence continue to encounter major obstacles when seeking justice.
These include delayed investigations, weak prosecution, stigma, and inconsistent accountability within the legal system.
“When cases stall and protection mechanisms fail, the justice system falls short of its responsibility to defend the vulnerable,” the organization said.
Focus on the Most Vulnerable
FIDA Nigeria also warned that women and girls facing multiple layers of vulnerability remain particularly exposed.
These include women with disabilities, those living in rural or conflict-affected communities, and economically marginalized populations.
“Reforms that do not prioritize the most vulnerable remain incomplete,” the organization said.
Key Reforms Proposed
The legal advocacy group called on government institutions and policymakers to take concrete steps to strengthen the protection of women and girls.
Among its recommendations are:
- stronger enforcement of gender-protective laws
- reduced procedural delays within the justice system
- expanded access to free legal aid and survivor support services
- gender-responsive budgeting
- transparent monitoring of enforcement mechanisms
- sustained public education to challenge harmful stereotypes
The organization warned that declarations without implementation risk weakening public trust in institutions.
A National Development Issue
FIDA Nigeria emphasized that the protection of women’s rights is not only a social issue but a fundamental pillar of national stability and development.
“When women and girls cannot access justice, the rule of law weakens,” the statement said.
“When violence goes unpunished, public confidence erodes. And when inequality persists, national development slows.”
Commitment to Legal Advocacy
Despite the challenges, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to expanding free legal aid, strategic litigation, and policy advocacy across Nigeria.
The statement was signed by Elina Martins, Country Vice President of FIDA Nigeria, and Chineze Obianyo, the organization’s National Publicity Secretary.
As Nigeria continues broader efforts at institutional reform, FIDA Nigeria said International Women’s Day 2026 must mark more than celebration, it must signal visible progress.
#Rights must be protected.
#Justice must be delivered.
#Action must be sustained.
