In commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026, under the global theme “Rights, Justice, and Action: For Every Woman and Girl,” UNFPA Nigeria, together with the Federal Ministry of Justice and UN Gender Theme Group, convened a high-level fireside discussion. The aim was to advance inclusive, gender-responsive justice systems in Nigeria.
The dialogue coincided with the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), bringing together justice-sector leaders, female judges, legal practitioners, civil society organizations, and human rights actors. These groups examined persistent barriers that limit women’s and girls’ access to justice.
Despite Nigeria’s inventory of legal frameworks addressing gender-based violence and protecting human rights, participants recognized that persistent socio-cultural barriers and implementation gaps still prevent many survivors from seeking and obtaining justice.
This development was further highlighted by the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohammed Fall. Represented by the UN Women Representative for Nigeria Ms Beatrice Eyong, his remarks cited data from the 2024 National Demographic Health Survey and indicators on how women were disproportionately affected by acts of violence and harmful practices.
According to him, Nigeria had built a commendable legal architecture, but there was a need to move from policy to accountability by ensuring an equitable judicial system that delivers safer courts, functional referral pathways, and institutions that guarantee dignity without exception.
This was reiterated by Hon Justice A.O. Otaluka, who said the transition of the Nigerian justice system towards a gender-responsive one was currently a work in progress characterised by persistent implementation gaps. For her, it was therefore necessary for the judiciary to become sensitive to current realities, and also strenghten its investigative and prosecutorial arms.
Speaking on the motivation for the forum and the shared goal of transforming the Nigerian justice system into one that is inclusive and accountable for women and girls, UNFPA Nigeria Resident Representative Muriel Mafico advocated for the passage of the revised VAPP Act.
“Passing the revised VAPP Bill is not just a legislative step; it is a moral obligation and a clear demonstration of our commitment to protecting the dignity and rights of every woman and girl,” she said.
The panel discussion also emphasized strengthening Gender-Based Violence response systems, adopting survivor-centred approaches, building judicial capacity, enforcing existing laws, and improving coordination among legal, health, protection, and human rights institutions.
A key outcome of the engagement was the development of a communiqué outlining concrete, specific recommendations. These included strengthening survivor-centred services, ensuring the enforcement of existing laws, enhancing the judiciary's capacity to handle GBV cases, and improving coordination among legal, health, and human rights institutions.
These recommendations were presented for advocacy to the Attorney General of the Federation & Hon. Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) to drive reforms, strengthen accountability, and improve access to justice for women and girls.
The discussions also highlighted the need for immediate, coordinated action to strengthen referral pathways among justice actors and to develop an evidence-informed advocacy tool for lasting change.
As Nigeria continues to advance its justice reform agenda, UNFPA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts that translate legal frameworks into real, accessible, and survivor-centred services. Also, the event underscored a shared resolve among stakeholders: Act now to move from policy to practice and guarantee that no woman or girl is left behind in accessing justice.
