IWD 2026: NHRC retains Bwari town hall, urges action on women’s rights and justice

IWD 2026: NHRC retains Bwari town hall, urges action on women’s rights and justice

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) organized a town hall awareness program in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to commemorate International Women’s Day 2026, calling for stronger action to protect and promote the rights of women and girls.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, (SAN) noted that International Women’s Day is not only a time to celebrate the achievements and resilience of women across the world, but also a time to reflect on the persistent challenges they continue to face.

Dr Ojukwu, represented by the Director of the Department of Women and Children, Mrs Ngozi Okore, said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls”, highlights the need for deliberate steps to address the barriers women face in many communities.

According to him, women and girls are still grappling with issues such as gender-based violence, discrimination, limited access to justice and socioeconomic inequalities.

“These challenges require deliberate and sustained action by governments, institutions, communities and individuals,” he said.

Learned Silk reaffirmed that the Commission, as Nigeria’s national human rights institution, remains committed to promoting, protecting and enforcing the rights of all people, particularly vulnerable groups, including women and girls.

Dr Ojukwu explained that the town hall meeting was designed to provide a platform for dialogue, awareness and engagement among stakeholders to discuss practical ways to advance the rights of women and girls.

Traditional rulers who participated in the program praised the initiative and called for more regular sensitization exercises to deepen awareness of human rights issues at the grassroots level.

The Esu of Bwari, represented at the forum by Mai Anguwa of FCDA Quarters, Zakwoi Ibrahim, said he was happy to participate in the awareness programme, stressing that it would go a long way in educating people about their rights.

Likewise, the Youth Chairman of Bwari Area Council, FCT, Comrade Dr. Awoyi Bwari, commended the NHRC for organizing the town hall, which he said will raise awareness of human rights among men and women in the community.

Representatives of women’s organizations, including religious groups and market associations, also attended the event and pledged their support for the promotion and protection of human rights, especially the rights and well-being of women and girls in their communities.