The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday in Abuja advocated stronger policies that would protect the rights of women.

Its Executive Secretary, Mr. Tony Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), made the call at an event organized by the Commission to commemorate the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that IWD is celebrated every March 8 in recognition of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and the call for equality.

The year’s celebration has the theme “Accelerate Action for all Women and Girls Rights, Equality and Empowerment.”

Ojukwu expressed concern that at the current pace, the country might be caught up with the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report, 2022, which projected achieving gender parity in 132 years.

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According to him, the rights of women are imperative to the progress, development and prosperity of any nation.

He acknowledged the efforts of the government and others in promoting policies that safeguard the rights of women, but said there were still gaps between policy making and implementation.

The commission’s boss lauded the Kwara Government for appointing a substantial number of women in his cabinet.

He pointed out that the 35 per cent affirmative action was gradually becoming a difficult task to achieve, adding that “while we celebrate the achievements, we must acknowledge that we are merely beginning.”

“Strong policy advocacy is needed to ensure that women’s voices are amplified and their rights protected.

“The commission is at the forefront of galvanizing stakeholders for the domestication of the Maputo Protocol, aimed at creating a more equitable egalitarian society for women.

“Together, let us strive for a future where every woman in Nigeria, every girl, mother and leader, can thrive.

“We must dismantle the barriers that hinder progress through our renewed commitment to uplifting silenced voices, especially of women,” he said.

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Ojukwu said collective action taken today would lay the groundwork that would honour the invaluable contributions of Nigerian women in the future.

He called on all stakeholders to make 2025 a turning point in the pursuit of gender equality.

NAN reports that the participants, in their goodwill messages, called for the economic empowerment of women.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of Certificates of Recognition to some women, including Sa’adatu Mahdi, Secretary-General, Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), and Dr. Uju Agomoh, Founder and Director of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA).

Others are Prof. Joy Ezilo, Professor of Law and activist and Dr Janet Adeyemi, the President of Women in Mining (WIMIN).