International Women’s Day: CAPPA Urges Stronger Protections, Inclusive Policies for Nigerian Women

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa has called on federal and state governments to implement stronger protections and more inclusive policies for women as the world marks International Women's Day 2026.

In a statement issued and signed by its Media and Communications Officer, Robert Egbe, on Sunday, CAPPA said the theme of this year’s commemoration, “Give to Gain,” reflects the reality that women across Nigeria continue to shoulder significant responsibilities that sustain families, communities and the wider economy.

The organisation noted that many women manage household resources, care for children and relatives, and often bear the burden of keeping families afloat during difficult economic conditions.

Despite these contributions, CAPPA said millions of Nigerian women and girls still lack access to essential services such as safe water, sanitation, healthcare and quality education.

The group also raised concern over the prevalence of gender-based violence in the country. 

Citing the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, it said about 31 percent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, while roughly nine percent have suffered sexual violence at some point in their lives.

CAPPA added that more than 10,326 cases of gender-based violence were reported between January and September 2025, warning that the growing trend of femicide has further heightened concerns among rights advocates.

The organisation said economic inequality also continues to affect women disproportionately. 

According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, women are more likely to work in low-income or informal sectors with limited job security and social protection.

It noted that many women farmers, traders and small business owners struggle to access credit, land and other resources needed to expand their livelihoods, while rising living costs place additional pressure on women who manage household welfare.

CAPPA also expressed concern over the low level of women’s representation in Nigeria’s political system. 

It said women currently occupy about 3.9 percent of legislative seats, with only 19 women among the 469 members of the National Assembly of Nigeria.

According to the organisation, Nigeria ranks 180 out of 185 countries in the Inter-Parliamentary Union global ranking on women’s parliamentary representation, the lowest position in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“These realities expose a clear contradiction. Nigerian women contribute immensely to sustaining society, yet many continue to live within systems that fail to guarantee their safety, health, political participation and economic security,” the statement said.

CAPPA urged governments to invest more in public services such as water supply, healthcare, sanitation and education, while strengthening laws and enforcement mechanisms to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.

It also called for policies that reduce the burden of unpaid care work through measures such as affordable childcare, paid family leave and improved infrastructure that can ease time constraints for women.

The organisation further advocated gender-responsive budgeting, improved access to credit for women entrepreneurs and policies aimed at closing the gender pay gap.

On political participation, CAPPA urged lawmakers to pass the proposed Special Seats for Women Bill, which it said could significantly increase women’s representation in governance.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women’s advocacy and leadership across communities, noting that empowering women remains critical to building a more just and inclusive society.

“Investing in women’s rights is fundamental to building a just and sustainable future for Nigeria,” the statement added.