By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has called for stronger protections, justice and concrete policy actions to advance the rights of women and girls in Nigeria as the world marks International Women’s Day 2026.

In a statement issued on March 8 in Enugu, the group said the annual commemoration provides an opportunity to celebrate the resilience, achievements and contributions of women to sustainable development, democracy, peacebuilding and social justice.

FENRAD noted that this year’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” adopted by the United Nations, highlights the need for governments and institutions to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to guarantee equal rights and opportunities.

“Despite global progress in gender equality advocacy, millions of women and girls, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria, continue to face systemic barriers including gender-based violence, economic exclusion, limited access to education, environmental vulnerability, and underrepresentation in political and decision-making processes,” the organisation said in the statement signed by its Executive Director, Nelson Nnanna Nwafor.

FENRAD said women remain central to environmental stewardship, community resilience and social transformation but are disproportionately affected by climate change, environmental degradation, poverty and insecurity.

“Women remain at the forefront of environmental stewardship, community resilience, and social transformation. Yet, they are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, poverty, and insecurity,” Nwafor said.

The group added that In both rural and urban communities, women often bear the burden of sustaining household livelihoods despite dwindling environmental resources and weak social protection systems.

It therefore urged the Federal Government, state governments, policymakers, civil society organisations and development partners to intensify efforts toward gender-responsive governance and inclusive development.

“This includes strengthening legal protections against gender-based violence, expanding economic empowerment opportunities for women, ensuring equal participation of women in governance and policy-making, and promoting access to education, healthcare, and environmental resources,” Nwafor said.

The organisation also stressed the need for stronger institutional frameworks that encourage women’s participation in climate action and environmental governance.

“Empowering women in these sectors is not only a matter of justice but a strategic necessity for achieving long-term societal stability and economic growth,” he said.

Reaffirming its commitment to environmental rights, accountability and social justice, FENRAD said it would continue working with communities and stakeholders to amplify women’s voices and strengthen civic spaces that promote gender equality and environmental sustainability.

“On this significant day, FENRAD celebrates the courage, leadership, and sacrifices of women across Nigeria and beyond who continue to champion peace, justice, and development even in the face of daunting challenges,” Nwafor added.

The organisation urged stakeholders to translate commitments into measurable actions that will ensure every woman and girl can live with dignity, equality and opportunity.

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