ActionAid Nigeria has called for urgent investment in women to accelerate progress toward gender equality, emphasizing that this is essential for sustainable development, justice, and equity.
In a statement marking 2025 International Women’s Day, themed “Investing in Women, Accelerating Progress,” the organization stressed that women are the backbone of the economy, democracy, and communities.
“Women lead, innovate, and build. Yet, in Nigeria, we continue to see systemic efforts to stifle their participation, especially in male-dominated spaces. From governance to corporate leadership and civil society, women who challenge the status quo often face intimidation, harassment, and exclusion,” the statement read.
The organization cited recent incidents, including the resignation of Mojisola Meranda from the Lagos State House of Assembly and sexual harassment allegations raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti, as stark reminders of the challenges women face in leadership.
“These incidents raise urgent questions: Where is the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)? What role is the Code of Conduct Bureau playing in ensuring accountability and justice? If we are serious about accelerating progress, institutions must work effectively to protect women in leadership from intimidation and harassment.
“At ActionAid Nigeria, we have seen firsthand the impact of investing in women. Through initiatives such as the Women’s Voice and Leadership Project, we have supported local women’s rights organizations to drive meaningful change. We are tackling harmful social norms through the Multistakeholder Action on the Prevention of Gender Based Violence (MAP-GBV) Project while empowering young girls as researchers and change agents through the Girl-led Research and Action initiative. These investments do more than uplift women, they create stronger families, healthier communities, and a more inclusive society,” it further stated.
ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, who personally signed the statement stressed: “Prioritising women’s rights and empowerment is not just a moral obligation but an economic and social imperative. All tiers of government; federal, state, and local must take decisive action by implementing policies and programs 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.
“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.”
Mamedu also highlighted the urgent need for institutional reforms to address sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse, adding, “All investigations, especially high-profile cases brought to public attention, must include independent oversight bodies to guarantee fair and transparent investigations. Public observation mechanisms should be incorporated to enhance accountability in cases of national interest, ensuring that justice is not only served but seen to be served.”
Additionally, he stressed, “Workplace and institutional safeguarding policies must be strengthened to create environments where women feel safe, valued, and protected. A zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment and discrimination must be effectively implemented across all sectors, with clear mechanisms for reporting and redress to prevent further violations.”
He called on the presidency to show stronger commitment through concrete action, stating, “The body language of the presidency must align with the urgent need for gender equality. This includes publicly condemning acts of gender-based violence, holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring women’s rights are prioritised in national policies and governance.
“Prioritising women’s rights and empowerment is not just a moral obligation but an economic and social imperative.
“To the women and girls of Nigeria: Your voices matter. Your contributions shape the nation. Let us continue to break barriers, challenge discrimination, and demand a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.”